The gift of mobility: Transform a Refugee’s Winter with a Gift

People seeking asylum and refugees come to the UK for various reasons. And when arriving, it’s often the end of one difficult journey and the start of another. 

Those seeking refuge want complete safety and stability. But this can seem out of reach. Refugees and people seeking asylum are given £47.39 a week, aren’t allowed to work, and may have to choose between eating a square meal and catching the bus to a service they also really need as they rebuild their lives. Those who receive refugee status are still some of the hardest hit by the soaring cost of living and austerity. 

That’s why we launched a partnership with The Bike Project last year. Our mission is to make cities for people, not cars — and as a result, better places to live. 

We can make this happen by encouraging people to take up cycling. Getting bikes into the hands of refugees and people seeking asylum can make it easier for them to thrive while they adjust to their new living conditions.

For example, with a bike, someone can finish errands quickly and easily, provide for their families, and get to and from visa appointments.

Transform a Refugee’s Winter with a Gift

Every little bit of help counts. This festive season buy a virtual gift directly on The Bike Project website and transform a refugee’s winter.

Different options are available for every budget – simple items such as a bike lock to cycling safety kits, cycling lessons and bikes. Those can make a real difference. Discover Katya’s story here to learn more about the impact your donation can make.

How to buy a gift?

1. Choose gifts on the Bike Project website
2. Buy it for yourself or dedicate it to a loved one by sending them an e-card.
3. Support a refugee and make a profound impact on their mental health and financial stability.

The Bike Project and Bolt working together

In case you missed last year’s announcement, here are the main ways we’re partnering with The Bike Project:

Bike drop-off points — if you have an unused bike taking up space, we’ll take it at a drop-off point! More than 100 bikes have been donated to Bolt Bike drop-off points. 

You find Bolt drop-off points at the following postcodes:

• Bolt Birmingham:  22 Gas Street, Birmingham B1 2JT, on Wednesday and Thursday only between 12 – 4pm. 
• Bolt Manchester:  Linley House Dickinson Street, Manchester M1 4LF, on Wednesday and Thursday only between 12-4pm.

All bikes must be pre-registered via the Bike Project website. You can also find additional drop-off points if another location suits you better.

Fundraising — with access to millions of customers in the UK, we added an in-app donation category in London last Christmas. With generous support from thousands of Londoners, we raised £34,500 for bicycles, lessons, and safety kits for the Bike Project.

Help and support — we lend a helping hand to The Bike Project on various fundraising initiatives throughout the year. We also invite those who’ve received ‘right to remain’ access to training, so they can consider driving with Bolt or applying to one of our open roles. 

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our incredible partnership with the Bike Project!