With the support of our incredible community of donors, fundraisers and partners, more than 500,000 students, health workers and entrepreneurs across the globe have control of their futures with the life-changing Power of Bicycles.
Thank you for playing a part in this milestone moment, whether you’ve been with us since bicycle #1 back in 2005, or #499,000 on December 31, 2019. From one-time gifts to recurring donations, fundraisers rallying their friends and families and support from our partners, every one of you had a hand in mobilizing people in need around the world.
Here are some of our favorite highlights from our final push to 500,000 at the end of 2019:
- You donated an epic 20,000 bicycles in November and December to help us reach a major milestone in our history: 506,305 bicycles!
- On #GivingTuesday, 519 donors stepped up to give The Power of Bicycles, unlocking a generous USD $25,000 gift from our partner InGamba.
- You donated over £10,000 during the “Big Give Christmas Campaign” in the UK, unlocking another £23,000 in match funding pledges.
- We heard from fundraisers around the globe how they were spreading the word about WBR. A team of four from Vancouver, Canada, raised over CAD $23,000, highlighting the importance of access to education for girls. And Global Cycling Network’s Daniel Lloyd rode 1000 km between 11/25 and 12/25, raising more than £28,000 for The Power of Bicycles!
- One of our newest partners, woom bikes from Austria, started the “Bells for a Better Life” Christmas sale and supported us on our way to 500,000 with a €10,850 contribution.
- Our longtime partners at Backroads contributed a bonus USD $34,000 once you helped us hit 498,000 bicycles.
- The 5th annual Ride on for WBR brought together cyclists from around the world. Trek matched all donations up to USD $40,000, Saris provided incredible fundraising prizes and CUORE of Switzerland donated proceeds of its limited-edition “500,000” kit to WBR!
- Finally, our biggest highlight: YOU. The support from our dedicated community never ceases to amaze us. Because of you, people around the world have the mobility they need to create change within their lives. Thank you for being with us on this epic journey!