Dear Pedal People,

On behalf of our partner programs around the world and the thousands of individuals who have received bicycles and sewing machines this year, I’d like to thank you for supporting Pedals for Progress. Whether you are a collection sponsor, donor, or a casual reader interested in our mission, you play a vital role in empowering individuals in need. Our summer newsletter is a key moment for us to provide a mid-year update on the progress we’ve made overseas thanks to your support.

Reflecting on our achievements in the first half of the year, it’s important to zoom out and look at the broader picture. The world has become increasingly unpredictable, with news that grows darker and more alarming each year. Wars, famine, inflation, housing crises, and natural disasters dominate headlines.

Pedals for Progress has been a guiding light for me to see past the darkens that seems to be occurring without an end in sight. While the challenges we face are real, stepping away from the constant barrage of news and getting involved locally has shown me how bright and vibrant the world can be. I live by the mantra, “Tend to the part of the garden you can reach.” This simple message emphasizes the importance of contributing to the world by taking action where you are, with the tools you have at hand.

Our work at Pedals for Progress may be a small drop in a large bucket, but it is the garden we can tend to. Pedals for Progress is engaging in the fight to clear the dark veil of news cast over our everyday lives by providing economic aid to those in need in the smaller corners of the world we work in. From FIDESMA and P4P Belize in Central America, to Chief Promotions in Tanzania, Slow Food Sierra Leone, DRVR-TOGO, Mityana Open Troop Foundation in Uganda, and Absolute Bikes Tirana in Eastern Europe, we are looking to help individuals in these communities fighting daily battles unfelt by the average American.

The work I do every day with Pedals for Progress is my way of helping the international community, focusing on the part of the garden I can reach. By reading this message, I hope you too feel you are contributing to the part of the garden you can reach. Our grassroots organization thrives on local support, and the stories we share highlight the positive impact we are making. These stories demonstrate that despite the passing dark clouds, blue skies always lay beneath, nurturing our collective garden.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Alan Schultz