(WBAP/KLIF) – Dallas Mavericks Point Guard JJ Barea and bike sharing company Ofo, announced Wednesday a partnership in support of Hurricane Maria recovery efforts in Barea’s native Puerto Rico. As part of this collaboration, Ofo donated 600 bikes to be distributed throughout Puerto Rico, where public transportation is still severely limited and city infrastructures remain substantially damaged.
The 600 bikes were recently shipped to Puerto Rico, where the Foundation received, stored, and assembled the bikes. Together, Ofo and the J.J. Barea Foundation will host demonstrations in San Juan on how to operate and maintain the bikes. The bikes will be distributed among the Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico and Communities Along Martín Peña Channel.
“Philanthropy has always been at the core of our business, and we’re grateful that this donation of ofo bikes is able to assist in some small way in Puerto Rico’s recovery,” said Chris Taylor, Ofo’s head of North America. “We applaud the JJ Barea Foundation for all its hard work and support in the hurricane relief efforts and we’re honored to partner with such a generous and dedicated organization.”
Barea and his Foundation have demonstrated support for Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria, and he has been active in relief efforts and a regular presence in Puerto Rico over the past few months.
“Puerto Rico is home. My family, friends and community are there, and they still need a lot of help to recover from such a devastating hurricane, which is why I’m so thankful for this truly thoughtful donation from ofo and powerful partnership with my Foundation,” said Barea. “Hurricane Maria destroyed many of our roads, people are without cars, and public transportation is limited, so getting around the island and having access to everyday necessities is still a big challenge. These 600 bikes will go a long way in assisting Puerto Rico’s rehabilitation, and I appreciate ofo for making that happen.”
Officials with Bare’s foundation say it’s possible that more bikes are donated in the future.
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