We are excited to announce Anne Chan as the new CEO of Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne.
Some parting words from the outgoing CEO Andy Finestone (Gild), who has been fundamental to the running and growth of Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne for the last 17 years.
If a bike had a windscreen I would be looking through it to a very exciting future! After a long search for the right person to take over the handle bars and steer Bicycles for Humanity (B4H) Melbourne towards our 30K30 goal, we have found Anne Chan!
We are very lucky to have Anne Chan re-join us to take over as CEO. As a previous volunteer, Anne has a deep understanding of what, how and why we do what we do. Anne helped us attain our tax deductibility status in the early years and has also spent time in Namibia, gaining hands on experience of the challenges setting up and running a bicycle workshop and associated organisation. She brings her expertise and passion at a time when we have a solid foundation on which to continue to grow. It is also very special that Anne has a connection to my wonderful co-founder, the late Matt McCullough whom we continually miss, and will be able to continue to guide his legacy forward.
It seems like yesterday, but in fact it was 2007. I was peering out the minibus window as the vast, hot and dry Namibian countryside flashed past. We were on our way to meet Hilya Ekanjo, the first female bicycle mechanic in Namibia, in the north of the country. Wanting to understand how our soon to be partner organisation, Bicycle Empowerment Network, Namibia (set up by the fabulous Michael Linke), managed to distribute pre-loved bicycles into the community by setting up shops and training locals in both business and mechanical skills.
I watched the many people walking, some carrying large loads, for what must have been 10s of kms. Little did I know that 17 years later Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne would be a fully-fledged, well established, 100% volunteer run organisation replete with a dedicated and passionate board, leadership team and deep volunteer base that has almost finished packing our 36th shipping container and have repurposed close to 16,000 bicycles, solar panels and many bike spare parts to over 6 countries in Africa. We have seen the impact of these bicycles on women, men, children and communities, giving access to education, job training or work, which would otherwise be limited by walking impossibly long distances.
I am very proud of all that Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne has achieved and I step aside from the CEO role with a great deal of excitement for the future. And I am not going far. I will support Anne as she transitions into her new role and will remain on the Board of Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne where I can still contribute to our larger social impact.
We know that through volunteering we gain so much more than we give. I have no doubt that my wellbeing has truly been supported by the beautiful people who now make up our large Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne family, both in Australia and internationally. I have learnt so much as our little organisation has slowly evolved and blossomed into what it is today.
I am truly grateful for each and every volunteer who has contributed time, energy and laughter. I am truly grateful to every single person who has donated a bike, money or expertise. I am truly grateful to my friends who have endured countless ear-bashings around every aspect of Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne. And I am truly grateful to our wonderful partners in Australia and Namibia especially for continuing to pull resources for a bigger impact. None of what we have achieved together could have been done alone.
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne has our fourth packing day of 2024 in just under a fortnight.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne has our third packing day of 2024 in just under a fortnight.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne has our second packing day of 2024 in just under a fortnight.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne has our first packing day of 2024 in just under a fortnight.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
We have our next volunteer Bicycle Packing Day of 2023 coming up.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
No experience necessary. If you haven’t seen our new storage site yet at Toyota in Altona, now’s your chance.
We need as many hands as possible to help prepare our donated bicycles for transport to Namibia.
New or experienced volunteers are both welcome.
When: Sunday, 26th November 2023, 10am – 3pm
In case of bad weather (heavy storms/extreme heat), the day will be postponed.
Where: Our new site at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North (enter at Gate 7)
What: Cleaning and packing of donated bicycles into the next shipping container.
Note: A BBQ lunch will be provided for all volunteers on the day – please advise of any dietary requirements.
Last Sunday was an action-packed day for Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne!
We kicked off with a massive volunteer bicycle packing day in the morning. Over 15 volunteers helped prepare and pack donated bicycles into shipping container #32 – which is now almost completely full! Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand – especially Sharon from Slipstream and the rest of the crew from Suntax.
After a spot of lunch, we commenced our 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM). We bade a fond farewell to Uri Gordon, our tireless Board Chair, who has put in an enormous amount of effort into supporting and expanding Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne. We’re confident that our new Board Chair, Mike Harley, and Vice Chair, Jodie Long, will fill Uri’s big shoes. If you would like to know more of what was covered at the AGM, you can view a digital copy of the 2023 Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne AGM CEO Presentation.
One of the highlights of the day was announcing the 2023 Matt McCullough volunteer awards. The two recipients, Amanda James and Matthew Bufaderci, have put in countless hours of work into supporting Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne’s vision. Thank you for all your work so far (and all your work to come!)
2023 Matt McCullough Volunteer Award Winners Amanda James (left) and Matthew Bufaderci (right) with Co Founder & CEO Andy Gild.
Thank you to all our volunteers who make our organisation possible and produce a positive impact for people across the globe.
Bicycle for Humanity Melbourne’s 2023 annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on Sunday, 20th August from 2pm to 3:30pm at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North.
In this meeting you can hear an overview of our year for 2023 and it is an opportunity for people to become more involved with Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne.
Join us in-person or virtually to hear about the past year, as well as our goals for the next few months.
If you’re keen to also volunteer to do some bicycle packing, come along from 10am where we’ll be getting our next container full and ready for transport.
We have our next volunteer Bicycle Packing Day of 2023 coming up.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
No experience necessary. If you haven’t seen our new storage site yet at Toyota in Altona, now’s your chance. We need as many hands as possible to help prepare our donated bicycles for transport to Namibia.
New or experienced volunteers are both welcome.
When: Sunday, 20th August July 2023, 10am – 2pm
In case of bad weather (heavy storms/extreme heat), the day will be postponed.
Where: Our new site at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North (enter at Gate 7)
What: Cleaning and packing of donated bicycles into the next shipping container. Note: A BBQ lunch will be provided for all volunteers on the day – please advise of any dietary requirements.
We have our next volunteer Bicycle Packing Day of 2023 coming up.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
No experience necessary. If you haven’t seen our new storage site yet at Toyota in Altona, now’s your chance. We need as many hands as possible to help prepare our donated bicycles for transport to Namibia.
New or experienced volunteers are both welcome.
When: Sunday, 30th July 2023, 10am – 3pm
In case of bad weather (heavy storms/extreme heat), the day will be postponed.
Where: Our new site at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North (enter at Gate 7)
What: Cleaning and packing of donated bicycles into the next shipping container. Note: A BBQ lunch will be provided for all volunteers on the day – please advise of any dietary requirements.
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Last Updated: 9 July 2024 by B4H Admin
New CEO of Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne
We are excited to announce Anne Chan as the new CEO of Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne.
Some parting words from the outgoing CEO Andy Finestone (Gild), who has been fundamental to the running and growth of Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne for the last 17 years.
If a bike had a windscreen I would be looking through it to a very exciting future! After a long search for the right person to take over the handle bars and steer Bicycles for Humanity (B4H) Melbourne towards our 30K30 goal, we have found Anne Chan!
We are very lucky to have Anne Chan re-join us to take over as CEO. As a previous volunteer, Anne has a deep understanding of what, how and why we do what we do. Anne helped us attain our tax deductibility status in the early years and has also spent time in Namibia, gaining hands on experience of the challenges setting up and running a bicycle workshop and associated organisation. She brings her expertise and passion at a time when we have a solid foundation on which to continue to grow. It is also very special that Anne has a connection to my wonderful co-founder, the late Matt McCullough whom we continually miss, and will be able to continue to guide his legacy forward.
It seems like yesterday, but in fact it was 2007. I was peering out the minibus window as the vast, hot and dry Namibian countryside flashed past. We were on our way to meet Hilya Ekanjo, the first female bicycle mechanic in Namibia, in the north of the country. Wanting to understand how our soon to be partner organisation, Bicycle Empowerment Network, Namibia (set up by the fabulous Michael Linke), managed to distribute pre-loved bicycles into the community by setting up shops and training locals in both business and mechanical skills.
I watched the many people walking, some carrying large loads, for what must have been 10s of kms. Little did I know that 17 years later Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne would be a fully-fledged, well established, 100% volunteer run organisation replete with a dedicated and passionate board, leadership team and deep volunteer base that has almost finished packing our 36th shipping container and have repurposed close to 16,000 bicycles, solar panels and many bike spare parts to over 6 countries in Africa. We have seen the impact of these bicycles on women, men, children and communities, giving access to education, job training or work, which would otherwise be limited by walking impossibly long distances.
I am very proud of all that Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne has achieved and I step aside from the CEO role with a great deal of excitement for the future. And I am not going far. I will support Anne as she transitions into her new role and will remain on the Board of Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne where I can still contribute to our larger social impact.
We know that through volunteering we gain so much more than we give. I have no doubt that my wellbeing has truly been supported by the beautiful people who now make up our large Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne family, both in Australia and internationally. I have learnt so much as our little organisation has slowly evolved and blossomed into what it is today.
I am truly grateful for each and every volunteer who has contributed time, energy and laughter. I am truly grateful to every single person who has donated a bike, money or expertise. I am truly grateful to my friends who have endured countless ear-bashings around every aspect of Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne. And I am truly grateful to our wonderful partners in Australia and Namibia especially for continuing to pull resources for a bigger impact. None of what we have achieved together could have been done alone.
See you on the road!
Last Updated: 27 June 2024 by B4H Admin
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne Volunteer Packing Day – July 2024
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne has our fourth packing day of 2024 in just under a fortnight.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
No experience necessary. For more info on what is involve for Volunteers on the day check this webpage: Volunteer Bicycle Packing Days Information
If you haven’t seen our new storage site yet at Toyota in Altona, now’s your chance.
We need as many hands as possible to help prepare our donated bicycles for transport to Namibia.
New or experienced volunteers are both welcome.
When: Sunday, 7th July 2024, 10am – 3pm
In case of bad weather (heavy storms), the day will be postponed. Bring some warm clothes and a raincoat incase of rain.
Where: Our site at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North (enter at Gate 7)
What: Cleaning and packing of donated bicycles into the next shipping container.
How: Register your interest Register your interest or attendance via email and please let us know if you have any specific BBQ dietary requirements.
Note: A BBQ lunch will be provided for all volunteers on the day – please advise of any dietary requirements when registering.
Last Updated: 1 June 2024 by B4H Admin
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne Volunteer Packing Day – June 2024
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne has our third packing day of 2024 in just under a fortnight.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
No experience necessary. For more info on what is involve for Volunteers on the day check this webpage: Volunteer Bicycle Packing Days Information
If you haven’t seen our new storage site yet at Toyota in Altona, now’s your chance.
We need as many hands as possible to help prepare our donated bicycles for transport to Namibia.
New or experienced volunteers are both welcome.
When: Saturday, 1st June 2024, 10am – 3pm
In case of bad weather (heavy storms), the day will be postponed. Bring some warm clothes and a raincoat incase of rain.
Where: Our new site at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North (enter at Gate 7)
What: Cleaning and packing of donated bicycles into the next shipping container.
How: Register your interest Register your interest or attendance via email and please let us know if you have any specific BBQ dietary requirements.
Note: A BBQ lunch will be provided for all volunteers on the day – please advise of any dietary requirements when registering.
Last Updated: 1 June 2024 by B4H Admin
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne Volunteer Packing Day – April 2024
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne has our second packing day of 2024 in just under a fortnight.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
No experience necessary. For more info on what is involve for Volunteers on the day check this webpage: Volunteer Bicycle Packing Days Information
If you haven’t seen our new storage site yet at Toyota in Altona, now’s your chance.
We need as many hands as possible to help prepare our donated bicycles for transport to Namibia.
New or experienced volunteers are both welcome.
When: Sunday, 7th April 2024, 10:30am – 3:30pm
In case of bad weather (heavy storms), the day will be postponed. Bring some warm clothes and a raincoat incase of rain.
Where: Our new site at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North (enter at Gate 7)
What: Cleaning and packing of donated bicycles into the next shipping container.
How: Register your interest Register your interest or attendance via email and please let us know if you have any specific BBQ dietary requirements.
Note: A BBQ lunch will be provided for all volunteers on the day – please advise of any dietary requirements when registering.
Last Updated: 1 June 2024 by B4H Admin
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne Volunteer Packing Day – February 2024
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne has our first packing day of 2024 in just under a fortnight.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
No experience necessary. For more info on what is involve for Volunteers on the day check this webpage: Volunteer Bicycle Packing Days Information
If you haven’t seen our new storage site yet at Toyota in Altona, now’s your chance.
We need as many hands as possible to help prepare our donated bicycles for transport to Namibia.
New or experienced volunteers are both welcome.
When: Saturday, 25 February 2024, 10am – 3pm
In case of bad weather (heavy storms/extreme heat), the day will be postponed. Remember to slip, slop,slap as we will be working outside in the sun.
Where: Our new site at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North (enter at Gate 7)
What: Cleaning and packing of donated bicycles into the next shipping container.
How: Register your interest Register your interest or attendance via email and please let us know if you have any specific BBQ dietary requirements.
Note: A BBQ lunch will be provided for all volunteers on the day – please advise of any dietary requirements when registering.
Last Updated: 9 December 2023 by B4H Admin
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne Volunteer Packing Day – November 2023
We need as many hands as possible to help prepare our donated bicycles for transport to Namibia.
New or experienced volunteers are both welcome.
When: Sunday, 26th November 2023, 10am – 3pm
In case of bad weather (heavy storms/extreme heat), the day will be postponed.
Where: Our new site at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North (enter at Gate 7)
How: Register your interest Register your interest or attendance via email and please let us know if you have any specific BBQ dietary requirements.
What: Cleaning and packing of donated bicycles into the next shipping container. Note: A BBQ lunch will be provided for all volunteers on the day – please advise of any dietary requirements.Last Updated: 9 December 2023 by B4H Admin
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne 2023 Annual General Meeting & Packing Day
Last Updated: 9 December 2023 by B4H Admin
Invitation to Join Our 2023 Annual General Meeting
Bicycle for Humanity Melbourne’s 2023 annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on Sunday, 20th August from 2pm to 3:30pm at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North.
In this meeting you can hear an overview of our year for 2023 and it is an opportunity for people to become more involved with Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne.
Join us in-person or virtually to hear about the past year, as well as our goals for the next few months.
Please RSVP to hannah.zhao@b4hmelbourne.org.au
If you’re keen to also volunteer to do some bicycle packing, come along from 10am where we’ll be getting our next container full and ready for transport.
No experience necessary.
More details about the volunteer bicycle packing day can be found via: Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne Packing Day – August 2023
Last Updated: 9 December 2023 by B4H Admin
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne Volunteer Packing Day – August 2023
We have our next volunteer Bicycle Packing Day of 2023 coming up.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
No experience necessary. If you haven’t seen our new storage site yet at Toyota in Altona, now’s your chance. We need as many hands as possible to help prepare our donated bicycles for transport to Namibia.
New or experienced volunteers are both welcome.
When: Sunday, 20th August July 2023, 10am – 2pm
In case of bad weather (heavy storms/extreme heat), the day will be postponed.
Where: Our new site at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North (enter at Gate 7)
How: Register your interest Register your interest or attendance via email and please let us know if you have any specific BBQ dietary requirements.
What: Cleaning and packing of donated bicycles into the next shipping container. Note: A BBQ lunch will be provided for all volunteers on the day – please advise of any dietary requirements.
Last Updated: 9 December 2023 by B4H Admin
Bicycles for Humanity Melbourne Volunteer Packing Day – July 2023
We have our next volunteer Bicycle Packing Day of 2023 coming up.
After the great success of our previous packing day, we would love to see as many volunteers as possible to help prepare our bicycle donations for transport to Namibia.
No experience necessary. If you haven’t seen our new storage site yet at Toyota in Altona, now’s your chance. We need as many hands as possible to help prepare our donated bicycles for transport to Namibia.
New or experienced volunteers are both welcome.
When: Sunday, 30th July 2023, 10am – 3pm
In case of bad weather (heavy storms/extreme heat), the day will be postponed.
Where: Our new site at Toyota Altona – 494 Grieve Parade, Altona North (enter at Gate 7)
How: Register your interest Register your interest or attendance via email and please let us know if you have any specific BBQ dietary requirements.
What: Cleaning and packing of donated bicycles into the next shipping container. Note: A BBQ lunch will be provided for all volunteers on the day – please advise of any dietary requirements.
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