Project update 30 October 08
After a bit of a lull during September, the project is back on track. Now that they have obtained some proper tools and equipment, the prisoners in Maghaberry are now working on the batch of bicycles supplied to them.
During the last month local volunteers from Phoenix Cycling Club repaired and serviced 70 childrens bicycles which were handed over to Elim International last week.
The majority of these were shipped out in a container yesterday to an orphanage in Swaziland whilst the remainder will go to an orphanage in Zimbabwe in 3 weeks time.
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Thanks to Dungannon Rotary Club we have a further 150 cycles to work on so we have plenty to do between now and Christmas.
We are also extending our links to other organisations and plan to work collaboratively with as many different charities and voluntary groups as possible.
One of the biggest problems we experienced in the workshop has been a shortage of tools. We had good news in that area from two fronts this week. Chain Reaction Cycles
(in Ballyclare) will donate some cycling specific tools to us whilst Tools for Solidarity have informed us that a consignment of tools has just been dispatched to us. Some of the local cycling shops in Belfast have also given us spares such as cables and chains - notably Dave Kane Cycles and Kinning Cycles .
The only other problem we face is the fact that we may have to vacate our present workshop so we'll be loking for a big lockable shed somewhere near Belfast. We will also be looking for the loan of a big van or small lorry or someone who is prepared to transport bikes for us.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who've come along to help out - some good mechanics amongst you!
We'll provide another update before Christmas.