How we started:

At the end of 2009, ThaiCycles was just becoming an idea. That idea was developed from a desire to do something in this world to make a difference.

Education is the single biggest contributor to a better and happier life. Most importantly it leads to opportunity. When we learned that many children throughout the world went without education, due to circumstances outside of their control, we knew we had to do something. How could that be fair for children not to have a chance at education due solely to where they were born? Raised with schools all around and an education system that so easily helped us achieve goals as big as we could dream, how could we not turn around and help those less fortunate? The next question was how do we create a change. That's where ThaiCycles comes in, a social project to create opportunity worldwide.

What we do:

A lack of education is seen throughout the world in countries like Africa, India, Thailand, and elsewhere. We work to improve the over 25% drop out rate by the time a child reaches the 6th grade. Many of these children come from uneducated families and, as they are forced to leave school early, they continue a path of poverty for their own posterity. Their education and brighter futures are sacrificed as they work on family farms or in textile factories. In most cases this has been happening for many generations and will continue unless something is done. We, with your help, provide that change. ThaiCycles charity is 'Transportation for Education' helping children worldwide receive opportunity.

How we do it:

With the desires to create change in the world, we launched ThaiCycles in 2010. The idea is simple and that's how we want it. Buy a shirt and dramatically change the future of a child. Through your shirt purchases ThaiCycles charity then provides bicycles to children around the world in need. We work with NGO's in the nation where the bicycles are donated. ThaiCycles partner-NGO's are a big part of the donation process by helping select schools and areas that most need our help. Once we select a location for a bike drop our next step is getting the bikes there. We work to improve the local economy in every level we can. Bicycles are purchased from local distributors at cost and come with a lifetime commitment of repair. We try hard to make these bicycles last for as long as possible and be available for several generations of young students. The bicycles are then donated to the school and lent out to students as a form of transportation to opportunity. The students are provided access to these bicycles as long as they keep up their attendance and grades.

How can you help?

We wanted everyone to have a chance to support ThaiCycles, from an elementrary school student to a large corporation. That's why we kept our model so simple. Shirts equals bicycles, bicycles equal education, and education equals opportunity. Here are some simple ways to help.

• Purchase and wear your ThaiCycles t-shirt.
  
• Make a donation of any amount, small or large, towards the ThaiCycles charity.
• Pass our story along to family members, friends, and co-workers.
  
• Join our mailing list, follow us on Facebook, YouTube, & Twitter.
  
• Organize a ThaiCycles fundraiser within your area, school, or work.
  
• Sponsor ThaiCycles at your next event.