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World Bicycle Relief has shared that Giant Group, parent company of Giant, Liv, Momentum, and Cadex, will receive the 2024 Trailblazer Award at this year’s “Communities on the Move” benefit.
The Trailblazer Award recognises organisations and individuals whose bold, innovative contributions challenge the status quo and help transform lives through improved access to transportation and opportunity.
Sponsored by Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox (Sterne Kessler), the “Communities on the Move” event brings together World Bicycle Relief’s supporters, partners, and global change-makers to celebrate the power, freedom, and joy bicycles bring to communities worldwide.
Presented in Chicago, on Thursday, 14 November, this year’s gala, featuring four-time Olympian cyclist Curt Hartnett as emcee, reflects a shared commitment to uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable change through the Power of Bicycles.
For more than 15 years, Giant Group has been a cornerstone partner of World Bicycle Relief, playing a critical role in co-designing and manufacturing the Buffalo Bicycle, a robust tool built specifically for the challenging conditions in rural areas.
Giant Group’s expertise has been pivotal in creating durable, affordable bicycles that enable people in underserved communities to reach essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
“Giant Group has been integral to the success of our mission,” said FK Day, co-founder of SRAM and World Bicycle Relief, who will present the award.
In 2024, Giant Group was instrumental in the development and manufacturing of the new Buffalo Utility S2, recognised with a Eurobike Award for product design in delivering the cycling industry’s first two-chain drivetrain, providing enhanced versatility and strength for rural entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, and students.
Day further comments: “Their design and manufacturing expertise have allowed us to scale our programs and provide high-quality, durable bicycles to communities where access to transportation is often the difference between opportunity and hardship.
“Giant Group’s commitment to innovation and excellence in manufacturing has enabled us to transform mobility for millions.”
In addition to their critical role in product development and manufacturing, Giant Group has been a long-standing supporter of World Bicycle Relief through their annual “Ride Like King” fundraiser.
This global event, held in honour of Giant Group’s founder, King Liu, unites cyclists from all over the world to raise funds for WBR’s programs.
Over the years, the event has helped provide thousands of Buffalo Bicycles to rural communities, empowering individuals with access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Phoebe Liu, Giant Group’s chief branding and marketing officer, will attend the gala to accept the award on behalf of the company. Talking about the award, Liu comments: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Trailblazer Award from World Bicycle Relief.
“This partnership is a testament to our shared vision that bicycles can be a powerful tool for change.
“For 15 years, we have worked side-by-side to bring the Power of Bicycles to those who need it most, and we look forward to continuing this important work.”
Partnerships with impact
The announcement points out that the “Communities on the Move” benefit is more than just a celebration – representing a gathering which pays testament to the collective power of partnerships in driving social change.
Thanks to the support from Sterne Kessler, including providing pro-bono legal services and intellectual property expertise, World Bicycle Relief continues to expand access to life-changing bicycles, enabling individuals in underserved communities to reach education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Joining forces with World Bicycle Relief supporters enables the organisation to transform lives and foster long-term, sustainable, development.
