April 2015 – Children in the Wilderness (CITW), one of the non-profit partners of ecotourism company, Wilderness Safaris, has received 24 bicycles as well an assortment of cycling equipment from The Bike Shop, as part of  an exciting new partnership.

The donation, which was facilitated through Mike’s Bikes Foundation in the United States, will enable CITW to run competitions in its Eco-Clubs, with winners each receiving a bicycle, along with a helmet, riding gear, and various other accessories. Two bicycles have been allocated to each of the Eco-Clubs, while four bicycles will go to CITW’s Adult Eco-Clubs, which will also run a competition.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous donation which marks the start of an ongoing relationship between CITW and Mike’s Bikes Foundation”, says Dr Sue Snyman, CITW Regional Director. “Our Eco-Clubs create opportunities for like-minded children to meet, learn, discuss and expand their knowledge of environmental issues, and we are certain that the possibility of winning such an exciting prize will incentivise and motivate them even further”.

CITW’s Eco-Club programme forms part of the normal school curriculum and uses interactive sessions to involve children in projects that benefit both the community and the environment. Last year, CITW also launched its Adult Eco-Club programme which is aimed at diversifying livelihoods amongst rural communities in Africa by helping them to set up their own businesses.

“We are very excited and proud to be associated with CITW, based on its excellent track record, reach, governance, sustainability and credibility – all of which are very important to the Mike’s Bikes Foundation”, says Paul Mazurkiewicz of Mike’s Bikes Foundation.

“We believe in the power of the bicycle. The most efficient mode of transport ever created, the bicycle is an ecologically and financially sustainable vehicle that can provide freedom, mobility and positive change in the lives of people who need it most. From our side, we wanted to consolidate our efforts and align ourselves with a partner with a similar vision so that we can collectively make a greater, more meaningful contribution to the communities that we serve”, concludes Mazurkiewicz.