This just in from the PPB:
PORTLAND POLICE DONATING BICYCLES FOR WEST AFRICAN VILLAGES
On Thursday August 22, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., the Portland Police Bureau will be donating approximately 100 bicycles to Alaffia’s Bicycles for Education Project.
This event will be held at and in partnership with Whole Foods Market Hollywood, located at 4301 Northeast Sandy Boulevard. Members of the media are invited to attend.
Members of the community may also donate adult sized bicycles in any condition at this location from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All donations are tax deductible.
Speakers will include Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Donna Henderson and Alaffia Founder Olowo-n’djo Tchala (pronounced “Olo-Wanjoe Chala”)
The donated bicycles are from the Portland Police Property and Evidence Division and are unclaimed or disposed of property no longer needed.
Both the Village Bicycle Project and Alaffia’s Bicycles for Education program provided much needed transportation to students in Togo, West Africa.“Portland is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States and we felt that participating with Alaffia’s Bicycles for Education program, we are sharing a part of Portland with children across the globe,” said Assistant Chief Donna Henderson.
“Alaffia thanks Mayor Charlie Hales, the Portland Police Bureau, Whole Foods Markets, and the good people of Portland for this generous donation to our Bicycles for Education Project. Our bike recipients have a 98% graduation rate. Because of Portland’s contribution, more than 100 girls in Togo will be empowered with an opportunity for an education, which will provide a lasting impact on alleviating poverty in our communities in Togo. We are deeply grateful and look forward to working with Portland communities again in the future,” said Lanessa Inman, Alaffia Community Project Coordinator.
Information about Alaffia’s Bicycles for Education and other Community Empowerment Projects can be found at http://www.alaffia.com/bicycles.asp.