Clean out your garage and help put unused bikes to good use in the developing world. Recycle your old and used bicycles on Saturday, Oct. 22, when the Rotary of Club of Haddonfield, in partnership with Pedals for Progress, holds its annual drive with Pedals for Progress. Adult and children’s bikes (no trikes) in repairable, rust-free condition will be shipped to developing countries around the world such as Nicaragua, Ghana, Moldova, Sierra Leone and Guatemala, to be reconditioned and distributed at low cost to poor working adults for basic transportation needs.
Bikes can be dropped off (no parts or disassembled bikes) rain or shine behind Haddonfield’s Borough Hall, 242 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield NJ 08033, between 9 a.m. and noon on Oct. 22.
Each year, Pedals for Progress collects 5,000 to 7,000 bicycles annually and transfers this material wealth to those more needy. To date, more than 131,500 have been shipped overseas. It costs $40 to collect, process, ship, rebuild and distribute each bicycle, so a minimum $10 donation toward shipping costs is suggested — all bikes and cash donations are fully tax-deductible and a receipt will be available at the collection site. Working portable sewing machines are also sought, along with wrenches for overseas shops.
More information about Pedals for Progress including overseas projects can be found at www.p4p.org.
