Buddha Bikes is a certified social-economic enterprise which was established in 2015. The same year, Topdanmark began its collaboration with the bicycle shop. At the workshop in Copenhagen, the employees repair the used bicycles, and it is also from here the bicycles are sold. But Buddha Bikes also has a social aim. They work with, among others, Askovfonden on young people at risk. Askovfonden is an NGO that is engaged in creating solutions for vulnerable citizens.

This means that young people at risk can be employed in a traineeship in Buddha Bikes’ workshop. Furthermore, Buddha Bikes has a number of apprenticeships.

”For an idealist like Buddha Bikes such a collaboration means a lot. Cast-off bicycles are the raw material we live off, and that activate the young people who we employ. But the collaboration also implies support and trust, which means a lot coming from Topdanmark”

SIMON SØNDERGAARD FOUNDER OF BUDDHA BIKES

The collaboration between Buddha Bikes and Topdanmark is two-sided and beneficial for both parties. On one side, Topdanmark donates bicycles to Buddha Bikes. It is bicycles which have been stolen and then found again after Topdanmark has paid compensation to the owner, thus the bicycles belong to Topdanmark.

In return, Buddha Bikes takes care of collecting the bicycles at the lost property offices and private addresses. In addition, Buddha Bikes organise an annual bicycle event which Topdanmark employees can join e.g. bicycle repair.

Topdanmark is very pleased with the collaboration for several reasons. Pernille Fogh Christensen, CSR Responsible at Topdanmark, says:

”This is a highly valued collaboration as it helps young people on the edge of society and sees to that the bicycles are recycled instead of scrapped. Both agendas, social and environmental, are part of our CSR strategy. “