Center Parcs donates over 1,000 bikes to support communities in Africa
Re-Cycle charity partnership ensures bikes find new homes
Guests at Center Parcs Elveden Forest this week may have noticed an impressive display – an arrangement made up of 200 bikes on the helipad of the park.
The display represents a wider project, as Center Parcs has partnered with the charity Re-Cycle to donate over 1,000 bikes to communities in need across Africa.
Re-Cycle takes used bikes from the UK and ships them to African communities, where they assist with livelihoods by providing sustainable access to education and jobs, as well as helping people transport safe drinking water to their homes.
The first load of Center Parcs bikes landed in The Gambia, Africa last month, marking the beginning of this impactful commitment.
Ellie Stevenson, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Center Parcs, said the partnership reflects the organisation's wider commitment to creating positive change.
“At Center Parcs, we are committed to building better worlds both at our villages and in wider communities,” Stevenson said.
“The fleet of bikes across our villages cycle thousands of miles in their lifetime through our glorious woodland cycle routes, and are kept in great condition by our dedicated bike mechanics. Through this meaningful partnership with Re-Cycle, we can ensure that as we update the fleets for our village guests, we are also ensuring our well-loved bikes can make a real difference elsewhere.”
Charlotte Ward, Director at Re-Cycle, emphasised the transformative impact of the donation.
“This donation of over 1,000 bikes from Center Parcs will genuinely transform people's lives,” Ward said.
“The bicycles we have received are as good as new which is testament to the amazing bike mechanics and maintenance teams they have at the villages. Providing communities with bikes gives them crucial access to education by offering safe routes to and from school, as well as opening up opportunities for jobs and income.
“A bike can also help a person carry up to five times more safe drinking water to their homes. Every donation has a huge positive impact and we’re thankful to Center Parcs for their support.”
Since partnering with Re-Cycle, Center Parcs has donated nearly 400 bikes from its five UK villages, with more donations planned for the coming weeks.