Women in Travel Retail+ (WiTR+) has announced that its charity for 2024 is FRASI’s Bike to School project, proposed by Patricia Bona, co-founder and co-owner of Miami-based Essence Corp, the beauty products distributor to the Americas travel retail markets.
Of the three charities put forward by WiTR+ members, the Bike to School project had attracted the most votes when polling closed at 23:59 on 14 January 2024.
FRASI, a not-for-profit association based in Lugano, Switzerland, works with disadvantaged and vulnerable children in many different countries. Its Bike to School project in Sri Lanka aims to help prevent boys and girls from dropping out of schools, by providing them with a safe means of transport.
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| Patricia Bona, co-founder of Essence Corp |
Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. Prices have risen, basic products are unaffordable, there are shortages of electricity and fuel. The risk of a serious food crisis and the collapse of the health system, already destabilised by the Covid-19 pandemic, are real. This economic meltdown has triggered a political and social crisis with widespread anti-government protests erupting across the country.
In these dire circumstances, children are quitting school. Not only do they lose basic education, but also their only daily guaranteed meal. For many, walking to school is fraught with danger.
In response to this problem and partnering with local associations, FRASI has launched the Bike to School project which will provide bikes and bike safety equipment to students with good academic performance, coming from families with financial difficulties, and living more than 5km away from schools. Cycling safety lessons, and cycle repair lessons will also be provided.
Patricia Bona, one of the earliest members of WiTR and an active supporter, said: “I am thrilled that WiTR+ members have chosen the Bike to School project as its 2024 charity. I believe that empathy, support and collective action can change the world. Together, we can give to one child at a time a chance for better education, which is vital to break the cycle of poverty. If WiTR+ can raise €15,000, more than 100 girls and boys, from families with few economic resources, will receive a bicycle, a helmet, and lessons on street safety and bike repair. Our fundraising will help them get an education and get to school safely. I hope that the whole industry will help WiTR+ to achieve its target.”
For details on FRASI and the Bike to School project, visit https://www.associazionefrasi.org/
