Kona expands AfricaBikes support

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In its third year, Kona's will double its previous donation of 500 bikes for the AfricaBikes...

In its third year, Kona's will double its previous donation of 500 bikes for the AfricaBikes project, which seeks to provide durable, easy-to-maintain bikes to healthcare workers to assist in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients. The bike manufacturer intends to donate 1,000 additional bikes.

"There is a sense at Kona that cyclists are becoming more aware of their role in the world and how bicycles can contribute to the well-being of people everywhere," said Kona Chief Jake Heilbron. "The idea that we can help in Africa has clearly hit a nerve in the minds of cyclists everywhere."

Last year, Kona's adopt-an-AfricaBike program raised more than US$10,000. Among those who helped the project were 10 year-old Quinn Freedman, who raised $1,500 by completing a solo 25-mile "Bike-a-thon" in the San Juan Islands last November, and Virginia Tech senior Christine George who is currently spearheading a fundraiser with the goal of raising $10,000 for the project.