Completing the Cycle: 88bikes, Donating Bicycles to Kids

One children's charity proves that a small bike can make a huge impact on needy kids.

By Rachel Morris

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88bikes Children's Charity

Give a child a bicycle and the possibilities for imaginative adventure are limitless: It could be a stallion, a race car, a speedy escape from a younger brother. But give a child in a developing country a bicycle and the possibilities could change her life. That's the mentality behind 88bikes, an organization that donates bicycles to children who've been through the types of experiences that put your "bad day" in perspective—war, extreme poverty, and human trafficking, to name a few. For these kids, owning their own wheels can mean getting back a piece of a stolen childhood, a break from the reality of life, or, more practically, a convenient alternative to hoofing it everywhere.

"88bikes is all about connecting people around the world," says cofounder Dan Austin. The nonprofit has donated 2,000 bicycles to date, including ones to the children whose stories follow. If they inspire you to get involved, check out 88bikes.org to find out how your family can become a sponsor.

Get Involved with 88bikes

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