The Lightfoot Initiative co-founder Amanda Robinson says it has been gifted 50 kids’ bikes by the Wakatipu Toy Library after the repairs and maintenance became too much for the library’s volunteers to manage.
It has just launched a crowdfunding campaign, ‘Give the gift of wheels this Christmas’, aiming to raise $20,000 to repurpose a shipping container into a secure, weather-proof storage facility for the bikes, and to fund their repair and maintenance for the next two years.
"We’re committed to ensuring there are kids’ bikes available to anyone who needs one, free of charge."
OneBike was established three years ago with a goal of ensuring everyone in the Whakatipu has access to safe and affordable bikes, spare parts and quality cycling equipment.
It operates from a hub opposite the Remarkables Market in Red Oaks Dr, and Robinson says it’s well-placed to take on the toy library’s "precious taonga".
OneBike’s team of volunteers has rescued, repaired and rehomed more than 600 bikes since it was established three years ago, while they’ve also recovered 2308kg of metal.
The fundraising campaign, which will run on Givealittle until December 31, has been turbocharged by Ziptrek Ecotours Queenstown, which has donated the $5000 proceeds of its recent Locals’ Day.
The new fleet of kids’ bikes is a boost for the hub, which is open on Thursdays and Saturdays.
"Anyone can pop in with their bike, use the tools and spare parts and get help to fix their own bike," Robinson says.
"We have 50 volunteers working with us, but we always have space for more people to join in the fun.
"They can be experienced or inexperienced bike mechanics, and learn on the job."
To support the fundraiser, visit shorturl.at/gdaEy — to donate a bike, apply for a bike, or sign up for a maintenance course, visit onebike.org.nz
