The Carroll Creek Rotary Club is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its 2024 “Bikes for South Africa” project, which has exceeded its ambitious goals. This year, the initiative delivered four full containers of bicycles, parts, and safety equipment to four communities in South Africa: Ladysmith, Kimberley, Ingwavuma, and Howick.
The bikes and supplies were sourced through an impressive international collaboration with contributions from:
- Calgary, Canada: Bicycles for Humanity Calgary
- Perth, Australia: Bicycles for Humanity Western Australia and the Rotary Club of Perth
- Melbourne, Australia: Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne
- Charleston, South Carolina: Bicycles for Humanity Charleston, the Rotary Clubs of Charleston, Charleston Breakfast, and Daniel Island
Each shipment was carefully transported to the port of Durban, South Africa, and successfully delivered to its destination.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the project moves into 2025, it continues to build momentum. Ongoing support from Calgary, Perth, and Charleston is already secured, and the initiative is excited to announce strong interest from Bikes for the World in Rockville, MD, further expanding its network of collaborators.
Andrew Killick, President of the Empangeni Rotary Club and the primary in-country contact for the project, expressed his deep gratitude for the collective efforts. In a recent email, he shared:
“This is such an amazing project where we collectively as a team are making a difference in people’s lives ‘one bike at a time.’ The Carroll Creek Rotary Club has been an amazing group of Rotarians who see the bigger picture and the great need for this project in the small communities of South Africa. To all the bicycle collection teams, container packers, and supporting clubs: your work has changed lives and communities you may never know or meet. Thank you.”
A Year of Dedication
The success of the project in 2024 is a testament to the hundreds of hours contributed by volunteers through emails, meetings, and logistical coordination. Reflecting on the year, Killick described the collective achievement as “a miracle,” underscoring the profound impact on lives and communities across South Africa.
The Carroll Creek Rotary Club extends its heartfelt thanks to all partners, volunteers, and supporters for making the “Bikes for South Africa” project a reality. Together, we are changing lives, one bike at a time.