From 9am to noon on Saturday, October 19 at the Board of Education Building, 302 Elm St., Westfield Rotary will collect bicycles and sewing machines for re-use by people in underdeveloped countries. This event, held annually by Rotary in cooperation with Pedals for Progress, has collected over 2000 bicycles and over 100 sewing machines in past years.
That unused bike or sewing machine taking up space in your home can make a real difference in the life of someone less fortunate. For example, a farmer who tends a field 10 miles from his village will spend 5 hours or more just walking to and from the field each day. A bicycle will free up 3 or more hours every working day for the farmer to earn more and improve his life and his community. Pedals for Progress ships the bicycles to the receiving country and repairs them in a shop within the receiving country to provide added benefits in employment and skills. The bicycles are then sold for a nominal price, typically a dollar or two, within the reach of those willing to help themselves. Sewing machines allow empower women to earn income for their families. That machine which you have not touched for years can help a child's family afford school fees and break the cycle of poverty.
No advance registration is required--Just bring in your sewing machines and bicycles! Bicycles and sewing machines do NOT have to be in working order. It costs $40 to collect, process, ship, rebuild and distribute each bicycle. A donation toward shipping costs is necessary (suggested minimum $10 per bike). In addition to your donations, Peoples Capital Group has provided a donation to help offset this expense.
