by Gillian Ching (
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I'm a freelance writer living in Brisbane who loves exploring quirky places with my dog. Join me on my quest to find, experience, and share fun things to do and interesting places to go.Please like, share and subscribe if you enjoy the articles.
Repairing and restoring bicycles is one of the latest ventures in the Salvation Army's cache' of projects to support the community and help those in need.
The Salvation Army has long been a charitable organisation to support the welfare of others particularly those vulnerable and at risk. Now, the "Salvos" have created a new Social Enterprise to build and run a bike workshop in Red Hill, Brisbane to restore and repair bicycles. While there are several definitions, a social enterprise is a business that is created to further a social purpose in a financially sustainable way.
This initiative is a partnership between the Salvos Stores in Brisbane and the Brisbane Street level Mission. It was launched in 2019 after the 'Ride4Home' Sydney to Brisbane fundraising bike ride and is designed to empower people, including its staff and give them a hand-up, rather than a handout to new possibilities.
How it WorksThe centre receives second-hand bikes from donations from bike shops, the community and even police bikes.
They are dispatched to a shipping container which has been installed at the back of the front car park and converted to become a bike workshop where the bicycle repairs are undertaken. Following some work from the Salvos Team, the bikes are given some repair attention and are soon ready to be given a new life.
The centre also offers sales, services and electric bike conversions. Importantly, it provides an opportunity to build the skills of the staff. While the new life for the bicycles is good news for the Salvos and its team, bike riding is an ideal form of exercise for riders to improve strength, balance and coordination, is good for the environment and is cost-effective over fuel.
What ElseIf you are keen to donate a bicycle or find out more about the social enterprise program you can find Salvos Re Cycle Bikes (SRCB) at Glenrosa Road Red Hill. The Red Hill site also houses the Salvation Army store of donated clothes, furniture, homewares, books and more as well as the Moonyah Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre. The Salvos annual Red Shield Appeal is also a major fundraising event to raise funds for their work.
The Salvos Store is open 6 days from:
Monday 9 am–5:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am–5:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am–5:30 pm
Thursday 9 am–5:30 pm
Friday 9 am–5:30 pm
Saturday 9 am–5:30 pm
Sunday Closed
