This spring, we are very happy to announce a shipment of 72 sewing machines that made their way across the border into Mexico. Marking our first shipment of aid to Mexico since 1999 it is an important and exciting milestone as we reflect on our 35 years of donating aid around the world. Through Neighbors Abroad in Oaxaca Mexico, we had an awesome opportunity to give sewing machine aid to women looking to jump-start their introduction into the trade.

For an organization that ships aid around the world, we have had very few opportunities to ship to our direct neighbors down south. It is surprisingly difficult to ship aid to Mexico, especially for smaller non-profits like P4P and Sewing Peace, as there are many more rules and regulations that limit the type of used goods that can be sent. Very specific inventory regulations and various taxes make it more challenging and expensive compared to other regions we ship to. The political climate that has consumed Mexico through my formative years has also made it a quiet goal of mine to donate to our direct neighbors. We’ve simply never had a good chance.

Cue the magic of Rotary. Ken Sanchez with the Rotary Club of North Hunterdon was instrumental in our efforts for this special shipment. Through connections with an organization based in Mexico, Vidas Y Suenos (Lives and Dreams), we were approached to collaborate on a special project.

With Sewing Peace actively looking for new applicants, we had room for a shipment of machines to contribute to this great cause. Graciously supporting the shipment of the machines, the North Hunterdon Rotary Club helped us get these machines to Texas where they would join a batch of other aid heading to Oaxaca.

With special help from the local government of Oaxaca and the ongoing support Neighbors Abroad has established, the organizations were coordinating a package of fire equipment and medical equipment to be sent to the region. With many successful shipments under their belt, their warm welcome made it very easy for us to join in on the initiative.

Beyond being a small rural area in Mexico that greatly needs this kind of aid, the artistic tradition in Oaxaca further cements our excitement to this cause. Providing sewing machines to such an artistic community will extend their use. Investing in the development of skilled artisans helps them sell and market important native and contemporary art that puts food on their families’ plates.

The connections sewn together to make this shipment possible have made for a very successful endeavor that we’re happy to be part of. We’re incredibly thankful for all our donors who came together this past year and donated their beloved sewing machines. On behalf of Neighbors Abroad and Vidas Y Suenos, we’d like to thank you for contributing to the betterment of people in Oaxaca and beyond.