[We just got this thank you note from Guatemala and would like to share it. We’re so happy it’s spring; let’s collect bikes!]

Dear DAVID SCHWEIDENBACK,

Respectful friend, we are very happy to hear from you. I am happy that you have already gotten your vaccine. Here in Guatemala we will get only four thousand for now. Maybe we will be vaccinated next year. It’s a long way to go before we open the champagne.

We want to thank you with all our heart for sending the bicycles that you collected in 2020 despite the pandemic. Because of the turn that the world took, bikes are in more popular than ever. Companies are going bankrupt because of Covid-19, and in the last few months FIDESMA has seen greater demand for our bikes. It gives us a lot of satisfaction to see our children, women, and men customers so happy with their bicycles after such a long wait.

As you know, we put aside $2.50 from each bike sale to support the most needy people in our community. We usually use this money to support various local needs, especially education. But because of the pandemic and the increased poverty it’s caused, we’re buying food for 410 families.

I want to send you our thanks and some photos of our customers, our bike shop, and the arrival of the P4P container in our community of San Andrés Itzapa, Chimaltenango, Guatemala.

We have been in a relationship with Pedals for Progress for more than 20 years, providing a transportation alternative and at the same time protecting the environment. Many hugs from the Fundación FIDESMA team for the P4P team, Don David, and his gracious wife, Dina, who welcomed us into her home on our visit a few years ago.

Margarita Cate de Catú
Presidenta, Fundación FIDESMA
March 2021