Hundreds of bikes donated by people in Ballarat will soon be on their way to villages in Cambodia, but they'll have to be stacked in a shipping container first.
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Bicycles for Humanity's regional Victoria group collected about 350 bikes back in 2017 - about 300 more than they were expecting - and the shipping container will set off early next year.
Volunteers are needed this Saturday to get the bikes ready - taking off the front wheel and pedals and stacking them with books, playground equipment and more.
The shipping container is parked at Alstom's Ballarat facility, and all are welcome - there'll be a sausage sizzle and raffle as well.
Bicycles for Humanity committee member Stephen Cox said they'd be helped out by the Ballarat YMCA's ReCranked group, which helps teach children about bike maintenance.
"It's such a good cause, and such a community - people have been dropping off bikes at our houses, and we're coordinate days where we can come together," he said.
The shipping container will be donated as well, to become a bike repair centre - that'll provide an extra small business opportunity for locals in the village of Takeo.
"(It's good for) if you're in the community and your bike breaks down, or if the family don't want it anymore, and they can donate it back," he said - the Melbourne group has had a long relationship with communities in Namibia, as well as other locations in Africa and in the Northern Territory closer to home.
Having access to a bike, even a second-hand one, can be life changing - that's why Rode Rage's Emily Wright is keen to lend a hand.
Rode Rage - 'riding against greenhouse emissions' - is aiming to raise money while helping to distribute the bikes and talk about environmental initiatives.
A crew of young people will head over to meet the container at the end of December, before visiting schools and setting up the maintenance centre.
"It's so they have a way of getting to school, because most people can't afford bikes, it makes it easier for them," she said.
"I just want to help all the kids over there."
The bike packing day begins at the Alstom facility on Creswick Road, at the Howitt Street end, at 9am on Saturday.
People can also bring their own old bikes to donate, provided they are in good condition - rusty bikes will not be accepted - or donate to the cause to help pay for the shipping container and next year's project.
For more information, visit b4hregvic.wordpress.com
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