With the help of benevolent bicycle mechanics in Roden, Norg, Peize and Leek, all bicycles brought in have been thoroughly checked. Of these, 230 were eventually approved for a second life in Ukraine. “It’s really fantastic how they did all that pro bono. Here and there a new cable, fender or light had to be fitted. Or the chain had to be lubricated. But they are all ready for use,” says Hofman.
On March 27, Hofman and his team will travel to Ukraine again, this time with their sixth aid transport. The only problem is that only seventy bicycles fit in the box truck (a small truck, ed.) they have. The rest will be taken away on April 5, via an organization from Apeldoorn, which often brings stuff to Ukraine with a large truck. “Thanks to a sponsor campaign, we can use that truck.”
Since they are also going to a Ukrainian orphanage on the ride at the end of March, to drop children’s bicycles there, they would also like to take toys that way. “We still have room for it above the bicycles.”
The foundation is not looking for cuddly toys, but prefers educational toys for children between 0 and 6 years old, from which they also learn something. Hofman calls on people to bring those items to the Roden book market at Ceintuurbaan 112 on Saturday, March 18, between 12:00 and 3:00 PM.