BERNINA Donates Over 100 Sewing Machines for Use in Impoverished Communities

AURORA, IL--(Marketwire - Oct 23, 2012) - BERNINA of America, the world's premier manufacturer of sewing, embroidery and quilting machines, announced that it donated over 100 bernette by BERNINA sewing machines to be used by humanitarian organizations in Guatemala, India and the United States. The machines were distributed through The Sewing Machine Project, which is an international nonprofit that collects new and used sewing machines to send to groups and individuals in impoverished communities and those struck by natural disasters. 

"We are very thankful for BERNINA's generosity and its support of our mission to help mend broken communities," said Margaret John Jankowski, founder and president of The Sewing Machine Project. "Through its donation, BERNINA is directly benefiting the lives of people around the world and in some cases, even giving them a source of income."

Paul Ashworth, president of BERNINA of America, said, "BERNINA is proud to support the efforts of The Sewing Machine Project around the world. We are excited that our machines are being used to help make a positive difference globally and look forward to working with the organization in the future."

Eighty-two machines were sent to Panajachel, Guatemala for the Mayan Families organization, which teaches women how to sew. Another 15 machines were sent to New Delhi for the Apne Aap organization, which rehabilitates young girls and teaches life skills. Four other machines were sent to Great Falls, Mont. for the Great Falls Rescue Mission, which provides assistance to homeless men and women.

Formed in 2005, The Sewing Machine Project has distributed over 1200 sewing machines to organizations around the world to help people become self-sustaining through sewing. The mission of The Sewing Machine Project is to give people a tool that will not only help them mend their own lives but also give them a way to take an active role in the rebuilding of their community. The Project also supports recipients with sewing and small business education, which opens new opportunities for business development, creative growth and community service. For more information about The Sewing Machine Project and to learn how you can make a financial or sewing machine donation, please visit www.thesewingmachineproject.org/.

About BERNINA
Founded in Switzerland more than 100 years ago, BERNINA is the world's premier manufacturer with a proven reputation for offering state-of-the-art sewing and embroidery systems, sergers and embroidery software. BERNINA's leadership is marked by an impressive number of industry leaders, influencers and artisans who chose to partner with the company. BERNINA products are sold in the United States through a network of approximately 450 fully trained independent dealerships. In 2008, the company introduced the revolutionary BERNINA 830, a machine designed to change the home sewing industry. To learn more and to find a dealer, visit www.bernina.com or call (630)978-2500.