Cycle Helmet for Children Appeal by Bikes for Refugees (Scotland)

If you have been following my blog, you will already know how passionate I am about Cheemia supporting Bikes for Refugees (Scotland). As Christmas is approaching, my diary, like so many other people’s diaries at this time of year, is becoming increasingly hectic. However, when I received an invite to an event organised by Bikes for Refugees there was no way that I was going to miss it and I gratefully accepted it.

It turned out to be a fantastic decision as it was a wonderful experience - not only did I enjoy the event itself, but I was also introduced to Carol from the charity Maslows and got to know more about the brilliant work she does. I would like to share with you what happened and how Bikes for Refugees goes from strength to strength in helping New Scots develop their relationship with their adopted country.

A hub for friendship

Founder of the charity, Steven McCluskey and his team have been doing an amazing job providing New Scots with a healthy mode of transport as well as creating a warm hub for friendship, comradery and connection amongst volunteers and their local community. I found out during the event that Bikes for Refugees has given out almost 1,000 bikes to New Scots since its establishment and they work very closely with Maslows, which provides vouchers to New Scots to redeem for clothes and basic essentials in preparation for the Scottish winter.  The evening was organised to recognise the hard work of 50 volunteers who work at either Bikes for Refugees or Maslows.

A refugee girl enjoys her new helmet and bike

The atmosphere was warm, friendly and they welcomed everyone with delicious vegan food. I talked to a number of volunteers who work in Maslows and those supporting Bikes for Refugees. It was interesting to see that about half of the volunteers were New Scots who had received support from either Maslows or Bikes for Refugees and were keen to pay back and support others.

I asked one of the volunteers who works at the Glasgow site for Bikes for Refugees what encouraged him to get involved and he told me how he looks forward to going to the workshop every Wednesday evening. He said joining as a volunteer was the best thing he has ever done. He gets a lot of satisfaction from spending the evening amongst volunteer friends, repairing donated bikes, greeting new Scots who come to receive their bike.

The best part for him was to watch the faces of people when they receive their new bike. He said he loved that moment and that was what drives his motivation. Looking in from outside, it was obvious that the work of the two charities went beyond their core focus of donating bikes and clothes; these charities have created a community that is positive, supportive and welcoming.

Cheemia’s support

Unfortunately, Steven was not able to join us as he was unwell, but he worked hard in the lead-up to the event, sourcing Secret Santa gifts for all the volunteers and wrapping them up so beautifully.  It was lovely to watch the volunteers receive their gifts from dressed-up Santa and hear them sing songs and enjoy themselves.   

Bikes for Refugees launched a Children’s Christmas Helmet appeal and I had the pleasure to get involved and support them with the purchase of the helmets. This year, Bikes for Refugees are giving out 100 bikes and helmets to children over the festive period to keep them safe and putting a smile on the faces of children who have endured much trauma and hardship in their young lives.

For me, as a Scottish business owner, it is important that we fulfil our share of promoting health and addressing social inequalities in Scotland. I strongly believe Bikes for Refugees (Scotland) is doing exactly that, giving a heartfelt warm Scottish welcome to refugees who have made Scotland their new home.

If you happen to receive a new bike or bike gadgets over Christmas, please consider donating your old bike and equipment to Bikes for Refugees so they can continue their amazing work. 

Some of the cycle helmets that Cheemia bought for the refugee children