Cyclist Triples Fund-Raising Goal

May 2, 2008—For Louis Bosma, passion could be defined as setting a goal three times higher than what’s expected.

Bosma, 53, from Aylmer, Ontario, is one of 219 cyclists riding in this summer’s Sea to Sea Bike Tour, raising awareness and support for the poverty-reduction efforts of the Christian Reformed Church and its partners.

In addition to pedaling almost 4,000 miles (or 6,300 kilometers) across North America starting June 30, Bosma has committed to raising $10,000 toward the cause. However, he’s set a personal goal of $30,000 and—with more than $28,000 already collected—he’s almost there.

“I have been overwhelmed by the financial support received for the “Sea to Sea Bike Tour,” says Bosma, adding that Aylmer CRC, his home church where he is pastor of congregational life, has been very generous. “World poverty is a cause dear to my heart. As God’s people, we are mandated to share with our needy neighbors. I strongly feel that the organizations supported through the tour have a very good approach to ministering to the needy in seeking to ‘help them help themselves.’ I have had no problem approaching individuals for financial support; when you’re excited about a cause it tends to get others enthused as well.”

Bosma says the cause was one of the key reasons why he decided to sign up for the tour.  “I saw this as an opportunity to, in some small way, try to personally make a difference in the lives of some of those so much less fortunate than myself.”
 
In his fund-raising efforts, Bosma relied on a personal letter and visits—many visits, he says—to individuals and businesses in the area, explaining his personal reasons for riding and inviting them to be a part of it as well.

“I made it very clear that while I would be the one doing the cycling part, they—through their prayers and financial support—were also very much an integral part of the team too,” Bosma says. “In other words ‘we are in this together.’ This is our project, to try to make a difference that might make the difference in the lives of those who are helped through the funds.”

While Bosma has raised the most money of any individual rider to date, he’s joined by 36 other cyclists who have surpassed their targets. Collectively, all cyclists have sent in more than $850,000 so far, and this excludes pledges for which the money has not yet been received.

Each of the riders going the full distance from sea to sea is expected to raise $10,000 while cyclists riding one section of the route (at least two weeks) are asked to collect $4,000. In total, the tour hopes to raise $1.5 million after all expenses are paid or covered by sponsors.

The main beneficiaries of the funds will be CRWRC (Christian Reformed World Relief Committee), Christian Reformed World Missions and Partners Worldwide. In partnership with the Reformed Church in America, some funds raised by cyclists affiliated with the RCA will support RCA Global Mission.

Tour proceeds will be used to fund projects that reduce poverty, such as HIV/AIDS programs in Africa, training in new agriculture techniques to increase crop yields, loans for people in low-income communities to invest in small business to generate income, and educating and equipping leaders while sharing the good news of Jesus.

The tour also includes goals of raising awareness concerning poverty-related issues and motivating active involvement in organizations that serve the poor and advocate on their behalf.

The tour begins June 30 in Seattle, Wash. and finishes nine-weeks later in Jersey City, N.J. on Aug. 30. To make a donation or to find out about corporate sponsorship, please visit www.SeatoSea.org or call 1-888-CRC-BIKE (272-2453).