We have a few hours left in Kathmandu … before we head home to Minnesota, USA. I really want to share about Portal Bikes before leaving.
As I had mentioned in one of my earlier posts, it’s hard for me … heart-wrenching … to say “No”, to people who ask me for money, or send their children to me, pleading for money. Portal Bikes, is my gateway to donating. I know this awesome non-profit has the integrity and heart, to touch lives, in a big way throughout Nepal.
William’s absolute enthusiasm led us to visiting the Nepal Store where Amy and I were able to visit with Kevin Persson, the Director of Logistics, and have a tour. We were able to see how the long and mid tail bikes are put together and hear stories about the impact these bikes are making for Nepali’s – from employment, to growing individual businesses. They also worked to rebuild villages after the earthquake in 2015.
Kevin Persson
Portal Bike Employees – Photo by Amy McLain
Throughout our 3 week stay in Nepal, we saw bicycles used to haul all kinds of things – ladders, garbage, vegetables, and fruits, appliances, groceries, children/families, fish, furniture – and they were often older bikes. Portal Bikes are making life easier and safer, and for many Nepali’s, their work delivering product is done with speed – thus having the ability to do more and increase their income. Being able to spend time with Kevin, solidified my desire to make a difference for someone in Nepal.
There are different ways to donate through Portal Bikes:
- One time donation
- Donate $300 for a Portal Cargo Bike
- Donate Monthly
Portal is a registered 501c3 organization. Donations are tax deductible, and they directly impact the lives of people trying to escape poverty. We work hard to keep our expenses low and our impact high.
I’m going for the $300 for the Portal Cargo Bike. Here’s where my money – your money, too – will go regarding the Bike:
We will use your generous donation to manufacture and deliver a bicycle to a person in need. Since we focus on serving the poor, oftentimes we “finance” the bikes, allowing the customer pays an amount upfront and then make weekly payments. Once the bicycle you donated is paid for, we use those same funds to manufacture and deliver another bicycle. The cycle repeats itself indefinitely, meaning that your money will live for a long time, making a difference again and again.
How awesome is that?!
Making a tiny difference in a great big world … one drop that ripples …
Perhaps you’ll join me?
… Make sure you mention “William sent me!” Without his passionate heart, we never would have known about Portal Bikes.
And so, we’re off for home. Leaving a country that has made a lasting imprint in my heart.
Sending love to all …
Namaste
Deb Endres 