From The Heart of One Motorcycle Rider to Another-Last Minute Gift Suggestion.

Are you like me, a last minute holiday shopper and one who has a preference for shopping online? Isn't it great how much easier and more efficient it becomes each passing year !?? Practical and a cinch shopping by way of your own computer!

On every rider’s list are items from gear, gadgets, parts and other stuff which in all honesty, we can often live and ride without. However, in other countries doing without is an unfortunate part of everyday life. It's during this seasonal occasion we have the opportunity to celebrate generosity and give thanks to the little things; thinking of those less privileged than ourselves.

“Riders for Health” makes a perfect gift of kind on behalf of your rider friend--or as I practice, as my own personal gesture this time of the year. And it's so easy, I do it simply online.

Riders for Health are an international non-profit organisation that is providing health-care to rural African villages using motorcycles and motorcycle ambulances.By providing health-care door-to-door, the organisation is hoping to help fight the spread of AIDS. The project has resulted in reducing the disease and illnesses by getting patients much-needed medicine. And let's not overlook the huge number of women trained to ride and as motorcycle mobile care givers!

Riders for Health's vision is of a world in which the poor do not suffer and die for lack of access to health care and other vital services simply because they are isolated by distance or terrain. They manage and maintain the vehicles used in the delivery of health care and other vital services to rural communities in Africa.

From gasoline for a support worker to a helmet or t-shirt –there are many ways to contribute.
Get online and donate your support now!

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday time!

MANYO GIBBA CARES FOR AFRICAN VILLAGES EASILY ON HER MOTORCYCLE

This past Christmas I decided to make donations to charities for my family and friends instead of the usual form of gift giving. One of the charities was RIDERS FOR HEALTH—an organization that most motorcyclists should know about and if you don’t well, hopefully this note will provide a cue to visit and get involved! After making the donation I updated my mailing address in their system, it was still noted as The Netherlands—no wonder I hadn’t been receiving their newsletters! Well, the next newsletter to arrive held a wonderful bit about a female health worker and community nurse in the West African country of Gambia—Manyo Gibba. So I just had to share it here with you!

Manyo was taught to ride by Riders for Health—and not just to ride but to carry out basic maintenance to keep the bike running day in day out. Certainly there are few garages.

Manyo swaps her traditional dress for a helmet and protective gear and begins her 14 village rounds caring for nearly 20,000 people! She cares for pregnant women, mothers and children but also works with village health workers to monitor hygiene conditions, health education and disease prevention in the communities.

Prior to receiving her motorcycle from Riders For Health, she was accustom to walking or would sometimes hire a donkey cart taking her months before her responsible communities would see her! Now they see her at least once a week. It’s a very cool organization and just imagine the inspiration Manyo provides to other women of Gambia.

Manyo’s role is to provide regular and routine healthcare but she is also a vital lifeline in the case of an emergency. With her motorcycle she has been able to rush to assist countless women during bad labours. If not for her motorcycle, getting her to location quickly, the woman giving birth would in most cases have lost her life.

Three cheers for RFH, for Manyo and motorcycles! Visit Riders For Health and donate.