Griffith Health and the Men’s Shed have teamed up for a sustainability initiative to provide refugee families with bicycles as part of the national Ride2Work–or rather Ride2Uni–campaign.

“We put the call out to staff to donate their unwanted bicycles for the Men’s Shed to recondition before distributing them to needy families. We were overwhelmed by the positivity and generosity,” explained Susie Head, Health and Safety Manager, Griffith Health.

The Ride2Uni Bike Donation initiative was the brainchild of Susie Head. “I came up with the concept of encouraging people to donate their unwanted bicycles but needed a partnership. That’s when the Men’s Shed organisation stepped in, offering to restore the bikes and distribute them to refugee families in South-East Queensland.”

“I heard about the Ride2Uni Bike Donation initiative through my partner who is a lecturer at Griffith Health,” said Nasan Pather who dropped off his old bike. “I had a bike just laying there in my garage never being used, so rather than throw it out I wanted to give it to someone who needs it.”

Urvashnee Govender with her donated bike

“The bikes are going to a good cause,” said Dentistry and Oral Health Lecturer, Urvashnee Govender

The Ride2Work Day is held annually and encourages Australians to start riding to work and to start commuting by bike as a regular habit.

By joining in on Ride2Work you not only take a step towards improving your health through increased physical activity, but you also join a community of over 40,000 riders who are revolutionising commuting in Australia. Cyclists on Griffith campuses also have the opportunity to get together over breakfast.

So far Griffith Health have received more than 35 bicycles as well as cycling accessories like spare tyres, children’s seats and car racks.

Donations will be accepted until Friday 17 October. Next year they hope to expand the initiative to a larger community.

Contact Susie Head to get involved.