Community

Volunteer Spotlight: Eduardo Petrilli

This volunteers week we celebrate all our amazing volunteers. From admin tasks to bike mechanics, volunteers support us every step of the way. So as we approach our 10,000th  bike donated (hurray!), we want to highlight how every milestone we achieve is due to a network of incredible people giving up their time to us. This week is for them!

Six years later I am still doing it. It is so satisfying on so many levels. Satisfaction knowing that I brought a bike back to life, one less bike in the trash and the happiness of seeing a bike recipient cycling.

Meet Eduardo…Eduardo has helped out as a bike mechanic and in donation sessions for the last 6 years after learning about us through his work.

Back then we were working from our small site in Herne Hill and as Eduardo puts it: “I remember the place being crammed with bikes and people on a Thursday evening – there was a real buzz.”

To Eduardo, signing up to volunteer with us was “a very simple equation”…

“I like riding bicycles; I can learn to fix bikes and through something I enjoy, I can help others out – A perfect match.  Six years later I am still doing it. It is so satisfying on so many levels. Satisfaction knowing that I brought a bike back to life, one less bike in the trash and the happiness of seeing a bike recipient cycling.  In the words of H G Wells: ‘Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.’

Why is volunteering important?

Volunteering is important because it is about community spirit. It is very easy to get stuck in our own worlds, volunteering expands horizons. I meet lots of different people and hear about incredible stories.

What’s your favourite thing about volunteering with The Bike Project?

The teamwork. The Bike Project is a welcoming home of like-minded people all working to a common goal.

Why do you think the work The Bike Project does is important?

People uprooted from their home, often in very difficult circumstances get very little government support. A donated bike can be life changing for recipients. Suddenly they can move around the city with ease and minimum cost, it is great for wellbeing, and mental health.

Thank you Eduardo for all your invaluable support over the years!

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