Story
Sanctuary Wheels will provide free, refurbished bikes and tuition for hundreds of refugees across Oxfordshire. This includes, of course, the many refugees who are fleeing war in Ukraine and arriving now into our county. We will provide free, refurbished bikes, lights, locks, helmets and translated tuition so that refugees can benefit from being able to get around independently and get to know their new communities.
Sanctuary Wheels will be run by Cyclox, Active Oxfordshire and Asylum Welcome, in partnership with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and many community organisations across the county.
Asylum Welcome explain why a bike will make so much difference:
We see, and our clients tell us, that having a bike makes a huge difference to their morale, gets them out and doing, gives them freedom of transport across the city and often is a crucial factor in being able to take up educational and therapeutic support. It can be a major stage in becoming an independent member of society.
How your support makes a difference:
£20 could provide a lock and lights for one bike
£60 could cover all of the costs needed to provide a bike for one refugee
We are extremely grateful to Mark Beard. High Sheriff of Oxfordshire for donating the first £2,000. In total, we are aiming to provide at least 350 bikes for refugees across the county, as well as strengthening networks and community assets so that Sanctuary Wheels can continue to thrive in the future.
Please do give what you can and share this appeal with anyone who may be interested in getting involved. For information on bike donations days and to keep in touch with Sanctuary Wheels, please visit www.activeoxfordshire.org/sanctuary-wheels
Thank you so much for your support. We are very proud to be working with our amazing partners to play our part in creating a welcoming, inclusive and independent life for all refugees in Oxfordshire.