There’s still time to sponsor our intrepid riders: David, Lucy, Mark, Simon and Mohamed, as they take on Bike Oxford today in support of refugees and asylum seekers across Oxfordshire.
Taking place on Sunday 21st June, the final day of Refugee Week, Bike Oxford offers cyclists a choice of 25, 50 and 80-mile routes through the Oxfordshire countryside.
Representing Asylum Welcome on the ride will be trustees David Levy and Lucy Keating, volunteers Simon Pratt and Mark Adams, and staff member Mohamed Hage, who coordinates our Sanctuary Wheels project.
For Mohamed, the project is particularly close to home. A former asylum seeker, he has seen first-hand the difference that access to transport can make when someone is rebuilding their life in a new country.
“A bicycle can make a huge difference in the life of a refugee or asylum seeker,” said Mohamed. “It can help people get to college, attend appointments, volunteer, find work and become part of their community. One of the best parts of my job is seeing someone’s smile when they collect their bicycle and realise what it will mean for them. I’m excited to be riding for Asylum Welcome on Sunday, and I encourage everyone who can to support our fundraiser.”
The need for the project continues to grow. In the last year alone, Sanctuary Wheels processed 311 referrals and delivered 198 bicycles – a 26% increase on the previous year.
By providing free transport, the project helps people on limited incomes save money on travel costs while accessing opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
One recent beneficiary was a 15-year-old student living in asylum accommodation who faced a long journey to his new school. Sanctuary Wheels fast-tracked a bicycle for him, helping him attend classes on time and settle into school life.
The project is also powered by volunteers, including refugees and asylum seekers who help refurbish donated bicycles. For people who are unable to work while awaiting a decision on their asylum claim, volunteering provides an opportunity to use their skills, gain experience, meet new people and make a positive contribution to their community. It can also help reduce isolation and provide a sense of purpose during a difficult and uncertain time.
If you would like to support Team Asylum Welcome’s Bike Oxford challenge, you can sponsor the riders here:
Donate a Bicycle
Sanctuary Wheels is always grateful for donations of unwanted bicycles.
Donated bikes can be dropped off at:
Asylum Welcome
Unit 7, Newtec Place
Magdalen Road
Oxford OX4 1RE
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.
Celebrating 30 Years of Welcome
This year marks Asylum Welcome’s 30th anniversary. As we celebrate three decades of supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Oxfordshire, we’re inviting supporters to get involved in new ways.
Whether you’re interested in taking on a sponsored challenge, organising a fundraiser, or supporting our work in another way, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact development@asylum-welcome.org to find out how you can get involved.
