Volunteer Opportunity: Collecting Used Bikes & Sewing Machines

We’ve been approached about a volunteer opportunity to help with an annual collection used bicycles and sewing machines, which will be shipped to developing countries overseas.

The Green Mountain Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, which has been running a collection in Chittenden County for many years, would like to do the same in central Vermont.

Here’s how it works. Pedals for Progress seeks used but usable bikes and sewing machines along with a $10 donation toward shipping each item.

Everything is put into a truck and shipped to Burlington, where it will be combined into a shipping container to be sent overseas.

The bikes and sewing machines are shipped to places such as Tanzania, Togo and Thailand where they’re used for cheap, non-pollutting transportation or for small sewing businesses.

Pedals for Progress is looking for a volunteer in Montpelier to coordinate the effort. And then volunteer will also be needed for the day of the collection on Sept. 19.

If you’re interested and would like more information, reach out to Ross Sneyd, who can get you connected with the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.