Trials star Hans Rey - known for his spectacular displays of bike handling at shows and major races all over the world - has announced the launch of a non-profit charity organisation, Wheels 4 Life, that aims to help raise the standard of living of people in Third World countries by providing them with bikes.
"For many people, a bicycle can make all the difference to escape the vicious circle of the poverty trap," Rey said in announcing this charity. "I have travelled to almost 60 countries, and have met and sometimes worked with people who make much less than US$200 per year. Often they live in remote villages and the only form of transportation they have is their feet. It is often too long of a walk to get to a job, go to school or to the market to sell their goods."
"Wheels 4 Life will also support healthcare workers, nurses and doctors to enable them to be more mobile, allowing them to see more patients in less time. I'm working with local agencies, organisations, schools and healthcare groups to assure the bikes donated will end up in the hands of people who really need them. All of my work is on a volunteer basis, and I pay all of my own expenses while working for W4L. We will keep administrative costs to a minimum to assure that the maximum amount of money goes to purchasing bikes."
A donation of $150 will buy a person a brand-new 6-speed bicycle that is specially designed for the rural areas and has durable, easy-to-replace components. This price includes all shipping, duty and tax costs.
You can help Hans by donating to Wheels 4 Life through the organisation's website, www.wheels4life.org.
