FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kelly Paquette, Program Manager
April 5, 2013
kelly.paquette@goodwillnne.org 603-369-3010
Fifth Annual Concord Area Bicycle Swap Supports New Initiative: Goodwill and the Central NH Bicycling Coalition Team Up to Recycle Bicycles
CONCORD, NH — Goodwill and the Central NH Bicycling Coalition (CNHBC), are teaming up to recycle bicycles that provide low cost transportation to the Concord community – and a job training solution for female offenders in New Hampshire.
“Recycled Cycles” is a pilot project between Goodwill Industries of Northern New England (Goodwill) and the CNHBC and will support the education and economic success of female offenders, while increasing community awareness about the health, environmental and cost benefits to transportational cycling.
In addition to learning the transferable skills involved in repairing and maintaining bicycles, participants will be supported through individualized training and mentoring to increase work readiness skills. “Goodwill and the CNHBC are committed to providing a holistic approach to building opportunities for training, employment, education, mentoring and community connections for women who are transitioning out of the New Hampshire state prison system and starting over,” says Kelly Paquette, Workforce Solutions Program Manager for Goodwill.
“We are excited to partner with Goodwill on this project that not only gives skills to those in need, but also supplies quality used bicycles at very low costs,” Tim Farmer, Treasurer CNHBC and owner of S&W Sports. Bicycles refurbished through Recycled Cycles will be specially tagged, indicating the second chance behind the bicycle with a second life.
Community members wishing to donate bicycles for this program may do so in Concord at S&W Sports on South Main Street, or at the Goodwill store on Loudon Road. All proceeds from the sale of the Recycled Cycles at the Fifth Annual Concord Area Bicycle Swap held on May 18 – 19 at S&W Sports will support the program.
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ABOUT GOODWILL
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England enables individuals with diverse challenges to achieve personal stability and community engagement. A social enterprise for over 100 years, Goodwill reflects the integration of economic, social and environmental sustainability, with a focus on connecting people to marketplace employment. Our services are funded by revenue from retail and recycling operations, grants, fees, and philanthropic investments and gifts. Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.
ABOUT CENTRAL NEW HAMPSHIRE BICYCLING COALITION
Central New Hampshire Bicycling Coalition (CNHBC) promotes bicycling and education – helping to improve roads, safety and parking in New Hampshire. CNHBC collaborates with municipalities, regional planners, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, local and regional businesses and bicycling focused groups and individuals throughout the state. Equally important are our efforts to raise awareness of bicyclists on roads, bicycles as viable transportation vehicles and outreach programs that will provide bicycle safety education, guided bicycle rides, enforcement of the 3-foot rule and similar laws and the publication of materials. Please visit www.cnhbc.org for more information.