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10/06/2008
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Agents
of Change Fundraiser
Riding to Break the Cycle of Poverty
February 3rd, 2007 - Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver
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These folks have never done any long distance riding but they are riding
to Mexico to raise money for a Micro Credit fund. A great initiative by
great people. They deserve any support you can offer them. For
more info head here.
Riding to Break the Cycle
We are cycling some 3000 kilometres from Vancouver to Tijuana (yes, Canada to
Mexico) to raise money and awareness for microcredit initiatives in poverty stricken
areas. We've partnered with KIVA (www.kiva.org) to deliver the loans - this amazing
organization makes direct microlending to entrepreneurial individuals possible,
helping people raise THEMSELVES out of poverty.
We will be leaving on May 3, 2007 and cycling for more than 5 weeks in pursuit
of some big goals:
1) To raise enough funds to maintain a minimum $100,000 lending account that will
continuously provide struggling families access to small scale loans(at ZERO interest
to us) to improve their lives.
2) To raise awareness for Kiva, and microcredit in general as a tool for poverty
alleviation.
3) To lay the groundwork for our new organization, Agents of Change, dedicated
to fostering positive social change, particularly in the areas of international
poverty alleviation and development.
We are accepting donations for the ride, 100% of which will be loaned through
Kiva to people trying to EARN their way out of poverty. There are several ways
you can help:
1) Donate to help fund loans.
Simply:
a) go to www.kiva.org,
b) click on "gift card",
c) pay through secure online site using PayPal or credit card,
d) forward the confirmation email to us, which we can ONLY use
for kiva loans, at mexico.or.bust@hotmail.com.
Just that easy.
We'll also have a bank account set up soon to accept cash/cheques in the name
of "Agents of Change" with a note "Riding to Break the Cycle ensuring
the funds are used solely for Kiva loans. Look for updates.
2) We are seeking sponsorship to ease some of our costs, essentially
bikes, gear, and travel. This little excursion is costing us each approximately
$4000 in addition to time off of work and any help is most appreciated!
If you have contacts for cycling gear...we need EVERYTHING. Please post or email
if you think you can help!
3) Spread the word. Please invite your friends, tell your mom,
and phone that relative that works in media. Microcredit is an important tool
in the fight against poverty - we can all help!
Thank you for your time,
The "Agents of Change"
Shawn Smith, Bronwyn Cass, Gabrielle Blackburn, Kelli Smith, Nigel Wilson, Sean
Peters, Christina Wu, Liam Greig, Val Holweck, Jeremy Ratcliff, Aaron Cawker,
Natalie Lerza, Dylan Weil and Janine Zuppiger
For
more info head here.
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