“Mobilizing people through the power of bicycles,” is the motto of the World Bicycle Relief organization and that call to action has been answered by the employees of Jenson USA, one of the nation’s leading retailers of bicycles, parts and accessories headquartered in Riverside, CA. Over the past ten years, World Bicycle Relief has put more than 200,000 bicycles in the hands of deserving individuals in developing African countries, providing simple, affordable, sustainable transportation for work, school and the tasks of day-to-day living.
“The employees here at Jenson USA initially brought the idea of a One-For-One campaign to benefit World Bicycle Relief to my attention, and I was extremely excited to say yes and to be involved,” commented Michael Cachat, Jenson USA founder and CEO. “And when the plan evolved into our employees deciding to donate their own dollars in order to sponsor the donation of each bicycle, it further demonstrated how committed they are to this worthy cause. I’m humbled by the opportunity to work with such a great team and support WBR in the process.”
The ‘One-For-One’ campaign is quite simple. On Cyber Monday, December 1, for every bicycle purchased at Jenson USA online, or at their superstore location in Corona, CA off the Riverside 91 Freeway, individual Jenson USA employees will match that purchase one-for-one and donate a bicycle to World Bicycle Relief for distribution. The bicycles donated will be the Buffalo brand designed, engineered and assembled in Africa specifically for the unique conditions and purposes of the people living in those regions. Because Buffalo bicycles are built in Africa, that enterprise provides much needed employment opportunities for local residents.
“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Jenson USA on this One-For-One effort,” said Claire Geiger, Grass Roots Development Manager for World Bicycle Relief. “Bicycles make an incredible difference in the quality of life for so many people in Africa. Because there is very limited transportation other than walking available in rural areas, bicycles enable people to access education, health care and economic opportunities otherwise not possible. The ability to cover greater distances in less time and carry increased capacity is invaluable. Our research shows that student attendance increases by 28% and grades improve by 59% with a bicycle. Health care workers are able to visit 40% more patients and entrepreneurs are as much as 50% more profitable by bicycle.”
“World Bicycle Relief also strongly believes in the philosophy of a hand-up, not a hand-out,” continued Geiger. “People earn ownership of these bicycles by attending class, studying, working at a job and contributing to the community. Bicycles are considered a highly valued commodity in Africa and the fact that people earn a bicycle only reinforces that understanding.”
Jenson USA and its employees encourage all of the cycling community to support this effort on Cyber Monday and help make the lives of many less fortunate better through a sport that we all love. Bikes are a beautiful paradox: a tool and a toy, a job and a joy.
*Both Jenson USA and employees of the company are contributing to make this One-for-One campaign a reality. Together, the company will be matching the first 50 bikes purchased from Jenson USA on Cyber Monday with a contribution of a bicycle to WBR.
