Date: February 11,2011

INTERNATIONAL aid agency TEAR Fund has set its sights closer to home by joining with Nelson’s Mayoral Challenge on March 5 to help raise funds for local charity 24-7 Youth Work (24-7YW) as well as its child development projects overseas.

TEAR Fund executive director Stephen Tollestrup said TEAR Fund was grateful for the support it had received from the Nelson City Councils in partnering with TEAR Fund’s Poverty Cycle event.

“For us the Poverty Cycle is our inaugural event, so we are glad to have been invited to join with the long-established Mayoral Challenge. We have benefited greatly from the expertise of the organisers.” The Poverty Cycle had added some new incentives for people taking part, in the event, he said. “It will give cyclists the chance to enjoy a fun family ride while making a difference in the lives of children and youth in Nelson and overseas, and for keen cyclists, it has added an optional longer route.”

Event organiser, Nelson City Councils road safety and transport advisor Marg Parfitt said, fundraising for the worthy causes of TEAR Fund’s Poverty Cycle was just another good reason for folk to get on their bikes during Bike Wise celebrations this month. “Partnering with TEAR Fund has also added the option of a longer ride to the usual Bike Wise Mayoral Challenge route for the really keen cyclists.”

Mr Tollestrup said TEAR Fund was encouraging participants to register online for the event as soon as possible and start raising sponsorship. Once registered, riders are given their own fundraising page, and they can send their link to others, so they can sponsor them. The person who raises the most money for the Poverty Cycle in the Nelson region will be given a bike provided by Avanti. Cyclists can register on the day and there will be EFTPOS machines for those who want to give a donation. There is also a spot prize of an Avanti bike for those who register to ride on the day. This is to be presented by organisers of the Mayoral Challenge. There is also a prize of a trip to a TEAR Fund project to be won.

Mr Tollestrup said, “We are happy to support the excellent work being done among Nelson’s youth by 24-7YW. 24-7YW has an exceptional programme mentoring high school students and adequately preparing them for their adult lives.

24-7YW South Island coordinator Jay Geldard said, 24-7YouthWork was excited to be in partnership with TEAR Fund in raising awareness of the needs of young people through the TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle.

“24-7YW believes that young people from all walks of life are a vital part of our local communities and need to be given opportunities to belong and contribute. That’s why the youth workers from each school are excited to participate, knowing the money raised will have huge benefits for young people locally and abroad.”

To register to ride, raise funds or to volunteer to help, go to www.povertycycle.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media