Asbury Park Rotary Collects Bikes and Sewing Machines for Pedals for Progress

 

On Saturday June 10th The Asbury Park Rotary held its first collection for Pedals for Progress.  We collected 30 bikes and 6 sewing machines.  It was a beautiful day and a great turnout for our first event.  We expect to hold this event annually and expect it to grow.

 

P4P collects 3,000 to 5,000 bicycles annually and transfers this material wealth to those more needy. To date, more than 149,000 bicycles and 3,500 sewing machines have been shipped to developing countries in Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe. In these countries the bikes are reconditioned by partner agencies and distributed at low cost to poor working adults. These bikes provide reliable transportation for commuting to work, transporting product to market and accessing health care and other services. Sewing machine shipments help initiate educational programs and generate income opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach for many people. Steady employment for adults is vital to the development and success of struggling communities.