In addition to bike donation, 88bikes has also launched Seamless Possibilities, a week-long dressmaking workshop that builds vocational skills and community.
In what Austin calls Joy-Based Philanthropy©, 88bikes connects donors with recipients on a one-to-one basis so they can be an active participant in the joy they are giving.
For the girls, “The happiness they so deserve is now within reach”, says Austin.
Today, over 2000 bikes have been donated. The organization offers bike maintenance training, group rides and bike-based job skills in Cambodia, Uganda, Peru, Vietnam, Nepal, India, Ghana, Mongolia and Tanzania, among others. For donors, 88 dollars is what it takes to gift a girl with a bicycle.
Dan Austin, living in Seattle, WA. is the director of seven documentaries and author of three books. His 1999 documentary True Fans tells the story of the bike ride he took across America with his brother and best friend.