MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (UK) is delighted to announce its partnership with Diageo to bring pedal power to West Africa by donating and transporting hundreds of pre-owned bicycles and accessories to the Ghanaian communities of Koblimahigu and Kakpayili.
Over 450 bikes and cycling equipment have been collected over the past six months and the first 40ft container, donated by MSC and carrying bicycles donated by Diageo employees, has already begun its 5,400 mile journey to Ghana.
The second shipment of bicycles was loaded from the Port of Felixstowe and is scheduled to arrive in Ghana 1st August 2016.
Diane Thomson, Supply Planning Manager at Diageo, who is running the project alongside colleague Jennifer O’Keefe and with support from the charity Bicycles for Humanity commented, “From the moment our idea was given the go-ahead, our colleagues really rallied behind the project and we’ve been overwhelmed with the support from all at Diageo and MSC.”
“We are delighted the day is finally here when the bikes begin their journey and we truly hope they make a difference to the lives of the people in Ghana.”
Managing Director of MSC UK, Daniel Everitt concluded, “We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of such a great initiative and to help improve the mobility and accessibility for hundreds of people in Ghana.”
“We worked with Diageo to arrange the logistics of transporting the bicycles to Ghana, as well as encouraging our own employees to get involved by donating their unwanted bicycles - we are very much looking forward to seeing them be put to good use in extremely deserving communities.”
The shipping container, collectively donated by MSC and Diageo, will remain in Koblimahigu permanently and will be transformed into a bicycle workshop with locals being trained in bicycle maintenance to create a self-sustaining business for the community.
Comments
Post a Comment