Coach and bus finance specialist Propel Finance is the latest to throw its support behind a scheme to provide free bicycles to children.
Started by routeone Sales Manager Daniel Lunn and DCS Security Systems owner John Barton on 26 August 2020, the Free Bikes for Kids scheme has so far given away 78 bicycles to disadvantaged children and young people across Lincolnshire, three of which were recently purchased for donation by Propel Finance.
“After assisting some foster children in Lincolnshire I was contacted by Lincolnshire County Council, which asked for help in providing bicycles to three teenagers in a refuge,” Daniel says. “The bikes I had in stock were suited to younger children, so I put out a message asking if anyone was willing to donate.”
That led to a message from Marketing and Partnerships Director at Propel Finance Julie Warren, who offered to assist. Working with bicycle shop Paul Jo Bikes in Spalding, which refurbishes bicycles, three were arranged for the refuge and were delivered successfully on 28 May.
“Propel spotted Daniel’s post on LinkedIn regarding fundraising for some additional bikes, and we thought ‘what a great cause’ and offered to come up with the funds needed,” Julie says. “We were delighted to hear the bikes had been delivered and look forward to helping again in the future.”
Profits made through the sale of refurbished bicycles from Paul Jo have resulted in donations to the Lighthouse Project Spalding, which provides support to disadvantaged young people. So far, Paul Jo has raised over £7,000 for the charity.
Dan hopes to shift 100 bikes by 25 August.
