[Tfug] OT: Bicycles

[Bexley Hall]

Hi Rich,

On 6/21/2013 6:47 AM, Rich Smit wrote:
> http://bicas.org/about/history.php
>
> The sales, the workplace, and the end result are there to benefit the
> homeless and refugees.
>
> A donation to BICAS helps in multiple ways: raw materials to work with, a
> place of work, an English speaking community, and transport at the end of
> it.

I'm not doubting that.  I've just become a bit "jaded" wrt
"cash" and charities.  It's too easy for the focus to shift
towards the *money* instead of the *mission*.  (and, there's
*always* a way the shift can be "rationalized":  "We NEED
someone full-time to answer the phones and keep the books";
"We NEED a bigger space";  "We NEED air conditioning";  "We
NEED to hire a grant writer"; etc.  :< )

> Pay a visit? They won't pressure you. And if you plan to do them up
> yourself and give them to kids directly, you might find the parts and tools
> you need at BICAS anyway.

Most of what they need is just time and TLC.  Remove some rust,
clean/oil everything, etc.  I may need a couple of tubes but
I can pick them up at, e.g., Target.  I figure it's a full weekend
of my time but a no-brainer.

(As far as tools, about all I might *not* have on hand is a spoke
wrench.  And, I can probably improvise that.)

I probably *will* drop in on them next time I am in that area
(not often -- I live NE) as I'm always on the lookout for
"well intentioned groups".   And, now that I'm aware of them,
I can start asking around to friends and colleagues to see
what else they can add...

Thx!
--don