Cyclists Pass $1 Million Mark for Poverty

May 28, 2008—In just a few weeks, the largest ever cross-continental cycling tour will begin, raising awareness and support in the fight against local and global poverty. The 219 registered cyclists have collectively raised more than $1 million so far.

The Sea to Sea 2008 Bike Tour is a nine-week, 3,900-mile cycling trip from Seattle, Wash., through part of Canada, to Jersey City, N.J., June 30 to August 30. It is presented by the Christian Reformed Church in partnership with the Reformed Church in America. Of the 219 riders, 127 signed up to go the full distance, while the remainder will cycle at least a two-week section.

Already faced with the daunting challenge of long distance riding on a bicycle, each participant also committed to raise $10,000 (or $4,000 per section) toward the cause.

Louis Bosma, a minister from Aylmer, Ont., is planning to ride the full tour and has far surpassed his fund-raising target. Bosma has raised more than $27,000, the most of any individual cyclist so far.

“I have been overwhelmed by the financial support received for the ‘Sea to Sea Bike Tour,’” says Bosma. “World poverty is a cause dear to my heart. 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.”

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 organizers hope to generate $1.5 million in funds after all expenses are paid or covered by sponsors. To date, cyclists have submitted $1,053,292 in donations, not including pledges.

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, and loans for people in low-income communities to invest in small business to generate income.

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.
 

To make a donation, visit www.SeatoSea.org or call 1-888-272-2453.