GIFT is excited to onboard World Bicycle Relief – the 6th organisation in its portfolio
GIFT is thrilled to welcome World Bicycle Relief (WBR) to its portfolio, recognizing the organization’s profound impact and commitment to empowering individuals and communities through the transformative power of bicycles. WBR has effectively addressed the enduring transportation challenges faced by over 1 billion people worldwide, with a particular focus on the 450 million individuals residing in Africa. By leveraging its 100% owned social enterprise, Buffalo Cycles, WBR has distributed over 700,000 bicycles since 2005, empowering 3.4 million people and establishing 72 Buffalo shops, while also training 3,000 local mechanics. WBR is present in 5 countries via its Mobilized Communities concpet: Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia & Columbia and recently launched Uganda in 2023. The Mobilized Communities model prioritizes supporting women and girls, aiming for 70% of distributions to that demographic because global evidence shows better access to healthcare, education, and incomes for women and girls benefit entire families and communities. WBR’s ambitious target is to distribute 1,000,000 bicycles by 2025.
WBR distinguishes itself as a professionally managed organization with strong governance, a keen emphasis on innovation and measurable impact, and a commitment to implementing programs that are driven by and for the local communities they serve. The integration of a social enterprise model enables the creation of a sustainable ecosystem around these communities, making long-lasting change possible while providing essential funding each year. WBR’s collaborative approach extends to partnerships with various organizations, both local and international, as well as government entities, magnifying their overall impact. Notably, WBR is also working alongside CAMFED, another organization in GIFT’s portfolio. Additionally, WBR actively advocates for addressing transportation challenges, effectively placing these critical issues at the forefront of discussions and driving broader awareness.
Due to all the aforementioned reasons and many more, we take great pride in supporting World Bicycle Relief.
