This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Seagate, one of the largest employers in Longmont is giving back to the local community with the help of its employees. They have collected around a dozen used bikes to donate to HOPE (Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement) the Longmont-based homeless charity for their 'Bikes for Hope' scheme.
HOPE explained the scheme in one of their newsletters.
"Thanks to a partnership between local businesses and cycling enthusiasts in our community, HOPE clients now have the opportunity to receive a free bicycle, accessories, and bike safety information. Bikes for HOPE is driven by
HOPE volunteers and a crew of nine volunteer bike mechanics who are collecting donations of bicycles and bike parts and then refurbishing the bicycles. In the process, they also add important features like lights, bells, and luggage racks so that each bicycle given to a HOPE client is reliable and safe. This initiative is helping our clients meet a vital need for transportation, which is an empowering step towards self-sufficiency. Having a bike enables individuals to get themselves to work, appointments, interviews, etc, but the price of purchasing a bike can be prohibitive for someone who is not able to make ends meet. We want to thank two local bike shop owners who are actively supporting this program through donated goods and labor: Rick Emerson from Bike-n-Hike and Paul Andersen from Long Mont Velo. ACE Hardware in Longmont also provided a generous donation to the program and Seagate Technology is conducting a bike drive to assist with the program"
The charity says if members of the public would like to donate, it is in need of both men and women's bike as well as any bike accessories. HOPE's mission statement to provide life-sustaining support and programs focusing on dignity, empowerment, and self-sufficiency to the homeless community of Longmont.
