Inspired Tucson Residents Make a Difference

In November 2011, patrons of the Fox Theater in Tucson, Arizona were greeted by Damion Alexander and his daughter riding down the center aisle of the theater on a World Bicycle Relief bike. The event included a screening of With My Own Two Wheels, Q&A with the film’s creator Jacob Seigel-Boettner, and a silent auction to benefit World Bicycle Relief. The event raised enough funds to provide 17 bicycles to students in Zambia.

Damion took time off from his full-time job to coordinate the event, but it didn't stop there. Over the next several months, he shared the Power of Bicycles with over 2,000 people in Tucson, students and adults alike, ultimately raising over $13,400--enough for 100 bikes! Damion notes, “In everything I do I like to find groups that are doing great work and to introduce others to these organizations. As a lover of all things bikes it was very easy for me to see that WBR shares a common belief with me that a bike can change a persons world.”

Even Damion’s children are passionate about sharing the Power of Bicycles. His son, Samuel, was surprised to find that his school was not going to allow the screening of With My Own Two Wheels. So, Samuel created a presentation and sat down with the school’s principal, convincing him of the impact the event would have. Samuel won his principal over, the screening was allowed, and his school raised over $2,000!

“Tucson is one of the most generous communities.  The bike culture here is very deep and is always willing to help others,” says Damion.

World Bicycle Relief thanks Damion and the city of Tucson for their amazing efforts to provide life-changing transportation to those in need.