Pre-loved bikes, trikes and scooters have been repaired and serviced ready to find new homes with families who are struggling with the cost of living crisis this Christmas.
The 50 pre-loved bikes, trikes and scooters have been donated from the Renew Hub in Trafford Park to HITS Radio’s Mission Xmas appeal - to ensure children living in poverty don't wake up without a present on Christmas Day.
Manchester Bike Kitchen, who operate their workshop from the Renew Hub, which gives new homes to Greater Manchester resident’s pre-loved items, repair them and ensure that they are road safe.
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John Wrigley, Regional Director for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, who work with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) as part of the operation, said: “We are extremely proud of our reuse operation in Greater Manchester. Providing quality pre-loved items at affordable prices, could not be more necessary than during the current cost of living crisis.
“Through our operations at the Renew Hub, we have given new homes to almost 1000 bikes so far in 2022. We are supported by our partners Manchester Bike Kitchen, who repair them and ensure that they are road safe, before we sell them on. Giving the proceeds back to the local community.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to support Mission Xmas this year by donating more than 50 bikes, trikes and scooters to children living in poverty this Christmas.”
The Christmas appeal is part of the charity Cash for Kids, whose goal is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people affected by; poverty, illness, neglect, or those who have additional needs. Cash for Kids try to ensure no child wakes up to an empty stocking on Christmas Day.
Jess Rigby, Charity Manager for Hits Radio & Greatest Hits Radio Cash for Kids outlined the scale of poverty in the city. She said: “It breaks our hearts that one in three children are living in poverty in Greater Manchester and are likely to not have any gifts to open on Christmas morning.
"The families who we support are already facing the unimaginable choice of whether to heat their homes or feed their children, and Christmas is a luxury they just can’t afford. But that’s where our Mission Christmas toy appeal comes in, to bring these children joy and make Christmas the special day it should be.
“We have received applications for over 35,000 children in Greater Manchester and without the amazing support of local businesses, we would not be able to help them.
“I would like to say a massive thank you on behalf of Hits Radio Cash for Kids to SUEZ and the Renew Hub for donating so many amazing bikes, scooters, trikes and more. I still remember the magical feeling when I received my first bike off Santa, knowing that we are going to bring that magic to local children this Christmas is incredible.”
All proceeds from the sale of pre-loved items go towards the Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, directly benefiting local people and helping community groups working to reduce waste and increase recycling.
Cllr Martyn Cox, GMCA lead for the Environment and Waste & Recycling praised the initiative for it's sustainability. He said: “This is an excellent example of the kind of sustainable future we’re working towards in Greater Manchester – fixing and reusing things that still have plenty of life left in them.
“These bikes were donated at the Recycling Centres across Greater Manchester, but now thanks to our partners at the Manchester Bike Kitchen, they’ve been repaired and serviced and are ready to go to their new homes."
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