|
|
|
Do it
Working Bikes Cooperative sells recycled bicycles in Illinois to raise funds to ship free ones around the world to people for whom a bike can mean the difference between work and unemployment, getting to school or pedal power to produce energy. Calling upon a variety of volunteer skills, Working Bikes seeks people to repair bicycles; prepare and pack them for shipping globally; help out customers in the Working Bikes Store in Chicago; pick up donations, and help spread the word.
Whom it helps
The nonprofit organization recovers landfill-bound bicycles, repairs them to working condition, and sells them at a low cost to pay for shipments of bicycles and parts to developing countries such as Peru, Haiti and Zambia. Last year, the organization sent 10 shipments overseas, for a total of about 5,000 bikes, says General Manager Raul Gonzalez, noting 35,000 in all have been donated overseas to date by the group. By buying a bicycle from the cooperative, one supports its mission to promote environmentalism, public health and human equality. Prices start around $50, and all bikes have been made roadworthy. The group also provides bicycles to charities in Illinois, distributing about 500 bicycles and wheelchairs in the Chicago area annually.
How to help
People can drop off bikes for the cause at standing sites in such suburban locations as Elmhurst, Geneva, La Grange, Villa Park, Lisle, Naperville and North Aurora. The group will arrange to pick up donations of more than 10. People who know how to fix a tire are needed for repair work, as well as more skilled mechanics. No technical skills are required to help out at the shipping parties, and groups are welcome to assist.
Roselle bike drive
The cooperative also offers advice on organizing drives for used bicycles; see Roselle drive details in this story’s information section.
Do it
Working Bikes Cooperative sells recycled bicycles in Illinois to raise funds to ship free ones around the world to people for whom a bike can mean the difference between work and unemployment, getting to school or pedal power to produce energy. Calling upon a variety of volunteer skills, Working Bikes seeks people to repair bicycles; prepare and pack them for shipping globally; help out customers in the Working Bikes Store in Chicago; pick up donations, and help spread the word.
Whom it helps
The nonprofit organization recovers landfill-bound bicycles, repairs them to working condition, and sells them at a low cost to pay for shipments of bicycles and parts to developing countries such as Peru, Haiti and Zambia. Last year, the organization sent 10 shipments overseas, for a total of about 5,000 bikes, says General Manager Raul Gonzalez, noting 35,000 in all have been donated overseas to date by the group. By buying a bicycle from the cooperative, one supports its mission to promote environmentalism, public health and human equality. Prices start around $50, and all bikes have been made roadworthy. The group also provides bicycles to charities in Illinois, distributing about 500 bicycles and wheelchairs in the Chicago area annually.
How to help
People can drop off bikes for the cause at standing sites in such suburban locations as Elmhurst, Geneva, La Grange, Villa Park, Lisle, Naperville and North Aurora. The group will arrange to pick up donations of more than 10. People who know how to fix a tire are needed for repair work, as well as more skilled mechanics. No technical skills are required to help out at the shipping parties, and groups are welcome to assist.
Roselle bike drive
The cooperative also offers advice on organizing drives for used bicycles; see Roselle drive details in this story’s information section.
