KONAWORLD (February 25, 2008) – From
its inception in 2005, the Kona AfricaBike program has had a simple, primary
focus: provide durable, easy-to-maintain AfricaBikes to healthcare workers
to assist in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients. To date, Kona has donated
roughly 500 bikes and will double their output this year by generating 1,000
AfricaBikes for the project.
One of the main reasons that has enabled Kona to produce such a great allotment
is the 2-for-1 AfricaBike sales program where Kona donates one
bike for every two purchased by consumers. The AfricaBikes are delivered
to Bicycling magazine and Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Secure the
Future Foundation BikeTown project and other non-profit and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) whose missions include helping to improve the quality
of life in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, for 2008 Kona has broadened
its scope and is developing projects with the World Wildlife Foundation and
other organizations. Details will be forthcoming.
With roughly 2,000 AfricaBikes being sold around the world in the last year,
Kona will donate 1,000 to the project with all proceeds from sales going
into the production and delivery of AfricaBikes to Africa.
“There is a sense at Kona that cyclists are becoming more aware of
their role in the world and how bicycles can contribute to the well-being
of people everywhere,” says Kona Chief Jake Heilbron. “The idea
that we can help in Africa has clearly hit a nerve in the minds of cyclists
everywhere.”
Last year, Kona’s adopt-an-AfricaBike program raised more than $10,000.
A couple of examples of individuals going the extra mile for the program are
10-year-old Quinn Freedman who raised $1,500 by completing a solo 25-mile “Bike-a-thon” in
the San Juan Islands last November and Virginia Tech senior Christine
George who is currently spearheading a fundraiser with the goal of raising
$10,000 for the project.
In partnership with Bicycling Magazine and Bristol-Myers Squibb,
Kona will be making at least three trips to Africa in June and August. BikeTown
representatives, volunteers and bike mechanics will be stopping in Mozambique,
Swaziland and twice in South Africa to deliver AfricaBikes, educate Africans
about the bikes and lend support in their healthcare mission.
For more information about the project and how to adopt an AfricaBike check www.konabiketown.com and www.konaworld.com.
To see a video on the Africabike 2007 project click here.
