Fall 2025 Newsletter

October 2025: 429 bikes and 101 sewing machines are headed to Rwanda! After a flurry of delays, we completed a rare weekday loading on Tuesday, 10/28/25, and the shipment is now on its way to our friends at the Rwandan Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA). Marking our third shipment to this incredible conservation group, we’re proud to continue growing our involvement with their efforts. Many of these bikes will help rangers access a wider range of conservation areas to log and track wildlife, including the group’s main initiative: protecting the endangered gray crowned crane.

Our partnership with RWCA began in 2021. On May 15th, 2021, we made our very first shipment to Rwanda: 503 bikes and 43 sewing machines. A year later, we followed up with another container of 452 bicycles and 60 sewing machines.

As with many new programs, the first two shipments came with challenges. Rwanda’s inland shipping costs are significantly higher than most of our partner countries, and many of the items sent early on were only distributed only within the RWCA network. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm and dedication of RWCA remained strong. When Olivier reached out requesting a third shipment, with their funding ready and a new distribution plan proposed, we knew this partnership was moving forward with purpose and vision.

“We still have many of the bikes in action. Our rangers and community conservation champions use them daily. In fact, I still use one myself, even though it is falling apart and I really need a new one! In a few villages, there have been challenges finding spare parts or skilled mechanics, but we have been training some of the community members to address these issues.

The sewing machines are also being put to good use. We currently have about 47 women organized in sewing cooperatives, and some of the machines you sent are still being used regularly.

We do have funds available for shipping…Moving forward, we are planning to shift our model slightly — we would like to distribute half of the bikes and sell the other half locally. This would allow us to generate funds to cover the cost of future containers. We are also looking to use some of the bikes in our tourism business, renting them out to visitors and using the income to support future shipments.” – Dr. Oliver Nsengimana

This thoughtful feedback highlights RWCA’s commitment to long-term sustainability both in conservation and in community empowerment. Their new approach will allow future shipments to be partially self-funded while expanding the reach of their programs.

In addition to bicycle distribution, RWCA has launched a sewing machine initiative to create alternative economic opportunities for local residents. Since the pandemic, the organization has observed increased illegal activity in the Rugezi Marsh, which many nearby communities rely on for natural resources. To protect this fragile ecosystem, RWCA established a cooperative model that provides alternative income sources. The sewing machines we send help strengthen this effort, giving families new ways to earn a living without relying so heavily on the marsh.

Thanks to your donations, we’re able to put used bikes and sewing machines to good use in Rwanda. Beyond providing transportation, your support helps protect some of life’s greatest treasures, from the Rugezi Marsh to the iconic gray crowned crane. Thank you for helping us uplift communities while supporting vital conservation efforts.