Pedals for Progress Used Bike and Sewing Machine Collection

Pedals
for Progress

Used Bicycle and Sewing Machine Collection

Submitted
by Anne
Fitzgerald

Pedals for Progress (P4P) rescues bicycles and sewing machines destined
for our overburdened landfills and ships them to developing countries where they
are highly valued. Over the last 22 years, the organization has received,
processed and donated more than 138,000 bicycles, 2,600 used sewing machines and
over $11 million in new spare parts to partner charities in 38 developing world
countries.

Pedals for Progress sends the first containerized cargo shipment to a
community owned non-profit bike store for free. Depending on the size of the
container, the shipment could contain 400-550 bicycles, spare parts and tools,
with a commercial value of $25,000 or more. The repair store then earns enough
money selling the repaired bikes to pay for the next shipment. P4P isn't just
donating used bicycles; it's also helping developing world economies by
promoting self-sustaining bicycle repair
businesses.

The ripples of Pedals for Progress extend beyond bicycles. P4P partners
operate programs in vocational education, youth enterprise development,
micro-credit, environmental education, rural health care delivery, and
agricultural extension, where bicycles and sewing machines can play a
cost-effective role in providing essential services and generating
employment.

Pedals for Progress will hold its bike and sewing machine collection on
Saturday, October 19 from 10 to 1 p.m.,
rain or shine, at Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road, Avon.
Anyone with sewing machines, or adult or children’s bicycles (no tricycles)
in working or repairable condition is encouraged to donate to this great
cause.

The cost to collect, process, ship, rebuild, and distribute each bicycle
is $40.  A $10 minimum donation per item toward
shipping costs is necessary.  Any
additional donations to cover the increasing cost of shipping are greatly
appreciated.  All cash and material
donations are fully tax deductible and a receipt is available at the collection
site.  Pedals for Progress is a 501c(3)
corporation and a registered charity in Connecticut. For further information,
visit www.p4p.org or call Anne Fitzgerald at
860-673-1216.