IMG_20150422_170651578Community Bikes is sending a shipment of humanitarian goods, including bicycles, music instruments and hospital and school supplies to the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.  “Those who have contributed to the success of this important project have truly made a difference,” said Community Bikes Founder Chuck Fox.

(Hamilton, NY – May 2015) Community Bikes, a not for profit organization based in Hamilton is preparing to send a shipment of humanitarian goods and supplies to St. Kitts and Nevis.  This is the organization’s second shipment to the Caribbean nation, following an initial delivery in 2013.

“We are delighted to be able to work with the deserving organizations in St. Kitts and Nevis that will benefit from these goods,” said Community Bikes founder Chuck Fox.   “Those who have contributed to the success of this important project have truly made a difference.”

The shipment will be delivered by the US Air Force under the Denton Program, an initiative of USAID that delivers humanitarian goods, on a space available basis, to designated areas throughout the world.

With a population of only 41,000, St. Kitts and Nevis is the smallest sovereign nation in the Americas.  A breath-taking, two island nation with a rich heritage, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, St. Kitts and Nevis struggles with chronic gang violence and drug use, and has the eighth highest murder rate per capita in the world.

Fox noted that the upcoming shipment includes not only bicycles and helmets, but a broader range of goods in response to specific requests from organizations in St. Kitts and Nevis working with at risk youth and other underserved segments of the community.

“Following the success of our first project, we heard from several outstanding programs with critical needs to help them achieve their goals.  While this was a pivot from our primary focus on providing bikes to families and individuals where there is a need, it is consistent with our broader mission to enable individuals and communities to better themselves.”

Fox explained that 50 bicycles and helmets are designated for use by the St. Kitts Ministry of Youth’s Cycle through Success program, which provides access to the bikes as an incentive for at risk youth to meet specific goals in areas that include academic achievement, personal responsibility, anger management , conflict resolution and more.

Hospital supplies and equipment, including examination tables, beds, walkers, crutches and more, will be delivered to JN France General Hospital. Fox noted that nearly all of the supplies were collected and donated by St. Kitts native Dr. Cedric Francis, a retired physician now living in upstate New York.

School supplies, including books, educational games, arts supplies and materials along with hygiene supplies and more, were requested by school officials at William Connor Primary School and Thomas Cotton School for special need students, where budgets for such items are severely limited.

More than 50 music instruments, along with supplies, spare parts and instruction books, will be provided to several organizations working with at risk youth and adults to offer opportunities to learn an instrument and perform with a group. Donated by school groups, church organizations, music instructors and individuals from across upstate New York, the instruments include drum sets, acoustic and electric guitars, band instruments,  stringed instruments for an ensemble and four ‘Amigos’, hand made one string guitars for beginners.

“This exciting project would not have been possible without the help and support of organizations and individuals in both the US and St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Fox. He cited the Denton Program, under the direction of USAID, the embassies of both countries, Colgate University and the St. Kitts Ministry of Culture. “We are especially grateful to the countless individuals who donated time, money and goods to help folks in a  neighboring  global community.  This is a big deal.”

 

 

By martha

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