MicroBike 2009: Pedaling Against Poverty
ACCION USA Loan Consultant Renzo Mendoza prepares for Sunday’s big ride.
In the summer of 2008, six college seniors rode across the United States to celebrate their graduation, and to raise funds and spread the word about microfinance. Calling their project MicroBike USA, the riders raised $35,000 and told the story of global poverty and microfinance to thousands.
This year, hundreds had the opportunity to participate in MicroBike 2009 through “micro-rides” in communities from Boston to Bogota. Through pledges from supporters, MicroBike 2009 has already raised more than $32,000 to fight global poverty.
Despite a rainy weekend here in Boston, on Sunday the ACCION Boston and Friends team pedaled the 15 miles from Bedford, Mass. to the State House in Downtown Boston. As of this writing, the team raised more than $4,600 toward the cause. The weekend’s other notable riders included teams from lead sponsor Eaton Vance, including the cleverly-named Tour de Vance, which raised more than $4,000.
Missed this weekend’s ride but want to participate? You can still sign up to organize a ride in your community, and you can contribute to MicroBike 2009 through the end of the year. Don’t forget to watch this blog for information about MicroBike 2010, which is sure to be even bigger and better!
Tags: ACCION International, microbike