> Team pedals to raise $1 million
Team pedals to raise $1 million
Contacts:
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Christina Wu, 778.883.7224, Christina.wu@agentsofchange.ca
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Shawn Smith, 778.773.5174
April 30, 2007
Five Simon Fraser University students and recent grads are among the 22 cyclists who will soon pedal from Vancouver, B.C. to Tijuana, Mexico to raise $1 million for microcredit projects around the world.
Shawn Smith (White Rock), Sean Peters (Surrey), Aaron Cawker (Vancouver), Amy Vandervelde (Richmond) and Christina Wu (Burnaby) will begin their five-week, 3,000-km journey on Thursday, May 3, at 12:30 p.m. from the Vancouver Art Gallery plaza.
The “Riding to Break the Cycle” road trip is a key fundraiser for Agents of Change, a B.C.-based non-profit organization founded in 2006 by Smith, a recent SFU Business grad wanting to “make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
Inspired by the work of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the group aims to raise awareness of the benefits of microlending to the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
Microcredit works by extending a small loan to individuals who cannot obtain credit in traditional ways,” says Smith. “Nobody likes to depend on handouts. Our goal is to provide entrepreneurs in the developing world with the financial means and support to lift themselves out of poverty.” To date, Agents of Change has raised more than $15,000 towards its million-dollar target.
Smith invites the public to help send the riders off in style. “We’re asking our supporters to wear green and gather at noon at the Vancouver Art Gallery. And we’d be happy to have people ride with us for part of the way as we’re leaving town.”
For more information, or to make a pledge, visit www.agentsofchange.ca
Electronic photos available upon request.
Shawn Smith (White Rock), Sean Peters (Surrey), Aaron Cawker (Vancouver), Amy Vandervelde (Richmond) and Christina Wu (Burnaby) will begin their five-week, 3,000-km journey on Thursday, May 3, at 12:30 p.m. from the Vancouver Art Gallery plaza.
The “Riding to Break the Cycle” road trip is a key fundraiser for Agents of Change, a B.C.-based non-profit organization founded in 2006 by Smith, a recent SFU Business grad wanting to “make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
Inspired by the work of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the group aims to raise awareness of the benefits of microlending to the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
Microcredit works by extending a small loan to individuals who cannot obtain credit in traditional ways,” says Smith. “Nobody likes to depend on handouts. Our goal is to provide entrepreneurs in the developing world with the financial means and support to lift themselves out of poverty.” To date, Agents of Change has raised more than $15,000 towards its million-dollar target.
Smith invites the public to help send the riders off in style. “We’re asking our supporters to wear green and gather at noon at the Vancouver Art Gallery. And we’d be happy to have people ride with us for part of the way as we’re leaving town.”
For more information, or to make a pledge, visit www.agentsofchange.ca
Electronic photos available upon request.