TEAR Fund launches Iconic Rides

INTERNATIONAL Aid Agency TEAR Fund aims to generate $500,000 for at-risk children and youths in New Zealand and globally, with the new TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle event in March 2011.

Tomorrow cyclists who have cycled over 630kms in the past 10 days covering the length of the North and South Island will converge on the steps of Parliament to present a letter about their concern for poverty, and how New Zealanders can make a difference to the Mayor of Wellington and MP Jackie Blue.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says "The Poverty Cycle is a wonderful event - one that raises money for those most in need in a responsible, sustainable way.  As a cyclist, I am delighted to see so many people getting on their bikes for a great cause.  It's an incredible event and I encourage all cyclists - both veterans and those new to cycling - to be involved."
 
Family-friendly iconic cycle rides will kick off this Saturday 5th March in Auckland, New Plymouth and Nelson at 9am. Endorsers that will be attending will be Tri-athlete Clark Ellice, Mayor of New Plymouth Harry Duynhoven, Former All Black Michael Jones and Deputy Mayor of Nelson Ali Boswijk.

The aim is for each participant to seek financial sponsorship from their community to complete the cycle route or participants can attend on the day and make a donation. Funds raised from the event will go to a 24/7 youth, Brothers in Arms, Northpoint Community Trust and to TEAR Fund’s projects overseas.

TEAR Fund executive director Stephen Tollestrup said, “TEAR Fund is a Christian organisation that provides assistance to the world’s poorest. Our goal is to provide long-term sustainable solutions to poverty in the developing world. Poverty is a vicious cycle of despair, humiliation and oppression.” He said this new TEAR Fund initiative allowed Kiwis to help break the cycle of poverty, by participating in the Poverty Cycle. “We are excited about this new venture and we believe this event will allow New Zealanders to make an extraordinary difference.”

TEAR Fund was registered as an NGO in 1975. Its projects include Disaster Relief, Community Development, Microenterprise and Child Sponsorship. TEAR Fund is the third largest Non- Government Organisation in New Zealand, with a supporter base of 45,000.

We would like to thank our sponsors Live Sport, Radio Rhema, Avanti and Wurld Water.

Christchurch iconic ride has been postponed. TEAR Fund send their sincerest prayers and thoughts to all who have lost loved ones. They have sent some key staff who specialise in disaster recovery.

Check out website www.povertycycle.org.nz to `get fit, have fun and make a difference’. Check out Michael Jones endorsement video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOUG6eTVdCM.

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