2010 = Sweet beginnings!

"B4H Athens hit the ground running in 2010, and we're off to a promising start! We were thankful for the generosity of the donors who responded to our January Challenge Grant, which raised over $1000.

Combined with the matching funds from the Challenge Grant,

this puts our total thus far at $2160 -- and more than 20% closer to

sending a container filled with bikes to our neighbors in Namibia!

In the age of the Internet and 24-hour cable television, we have so much access to information on the needs of others, that trying to figure out who to help and how to help can feel overwhelming. What spoke to me about B4H was its specialized approach, and yet its broad impact. Safe and reliable transportation has transformed industrialized societies; it plays a major role in our economy...

• Safe transportation paves the way for students to attend schools,
• farmers to bring their crops to market,
• employees to report to work,
• businesses to transport raw materials and finished products,
• customers to patronize businesses

--though several factors contribute to each of these, they would not be possible without safe, reliable transportation. And in Namibia, as in many other countries, one bike can make all the difference -- it can pave the way for a young girl to travel quickly and more safely to and from school, for a farmer to sell crops in a local market, for a health worker to reach patients, for carpenters to transport wood, tools, and finished products, for a tailor to pick up and deliver mended clothes, even for a mechanic to report to work to repair bicycles!

B4H's specialized approach -- delivering bicycles and repair/maintenance knowledge and equipment -- delivers broad, life-changing results to both individuals and their communities. And it is awesome to think that just $30, or the cost of two movie tickets and popcorn, a couple weeks of lattes, or a new shirt, can connect my life to another in a meaningful way.

Thanks to all of our January Challenge Grant participants,

and let's keep up the momentum!

Please spread the word with your family and friends;

we appreciate your support!"

- Rebecca Reed