Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School DECA chapter members with donated bikes; courtesy photo {Lexie Sealy}
By: Jen Russon
For over a month, members of the Douglas High School DECA program sought donations of used bikes for donation to Durban, South Africa, where they hope the poorest citizens in the coastal town can use them to bike to work and school.
DECA President Madi Jaffe and Lexie Sealy, the latter of which handles public relations, said they were pleasantly surprised to reach their goal of 500 bicycles.
“Even though the bikes are going to people I’ll never meet, it still feels great to know they’re going to make a real difference in so many lives,” said Sealy.
Their donations, which include all sizes and kinds of bicycles, have been accruing at Pine Trails Park since January and will join the 500 bikes the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale and Cypress Creek collected in a joint effort to reach the people of Durban.
Known as “Beyond a Bike“, the time has come in the campaign to disassemble, reassemble and repair the bikes that need it. All student volunteers will receive service hours at the event.
DECA is putting out a call for volunteers to come out and help with the repairs and confirmed the rotary club is bringing the tools and supplies necessary to make each bike suitable for donation.
Sealy said approximately 100 volunteers from DECA, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas key club, and the school’s National Honor Society are helping out at the event. Still, they need a much better turnout to ensure each of the donations is safe and rideable.
She added they are still accepting donations of old bikes, and these can be dropped off at Pine Trails Park through Saturday.
The repair day at the park is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Parkland Amphitheater located at 1055 Trails End. For more information contact Mandi Jaffe.
Author Profile
Related
NewsJanuary 1, 2025State Rep. Hunschofsky: A New Year of Peace, Reflection, and Service to Others
NewsDecember 2, 2024State Rep Hunschofsky Reflects on Family, Traditions, and Supporting the Community During the Holiday Season
NewsNovember 1, 2024State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky: Embracing Gratitude and Community in November
NewsOctober 1, 2024State Rep. Hunschofsky Urges Residents to Prepare for Halloween Festivities, Upcoming Election, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month