A PROJECT to give training and skills while supplying free recycled bikes to people in Exeter on low incomes is appealing for help.
The Bike Bank, run by Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI), has less than two weeks to raise £1,500 in donations after it was chosen by the Government's Cabinet Office to take part in a nationwide challenge.
It means that any money donated to the Bike Bank via The Big Give website will be doubled if it is donated this week, on Thursday, December 5, Friday, December 6 or Saturday, December 7.
The project has already cleared the first hurdle and raised more than £1,500 in pledges from individuals as well as Exeter organizations such as The Beautiful Days Festival and computer specialists IT Champions.
Chief executive of ECI Matt Bell said:
"If people can go online and donate £10 this week we can make it £20. It is a great opportunity to support a local project that is going to change lives.
"We're so proud of the Bike Bank. It's good for the environment, it encourages a healthy lifestyle and it can give vulnerable people the chance to work."
The Bike Bank will run along similar lines to a food bank, using a voucher system, helping people on low incomes who need a bike for work or for health reasons.
The Bike Bank will offer a sheltered workshop to provide a supportive environment to provide skills and training for people with physical or mental health problems.
The Bike Bank grew out of the successful Exeter Community Bikes which received backing from around the city including bike-fan Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw.
"We have had so much support for this project so far and this is an amazing chance to double money that is donated. We really hope people will get behind us," added Mr Bell.
Money can still be donated after December 7 until December 18 and will go towards the final total, but it won't be match funded by the Cabinet Office.
Anyone wanting to donate on December 5,6,7 should log on www.thebiggive.org.uk or they can find out more information on www.eci.org.uk
The money raised will go towards supporting the project for the next year with one part-time paid co-ordinator who will oversee training and manage volunteer support.
