CYCLING FOR CHANGE
The original Cyclers just before leaving Seattle
Pensacola,FL—On Tuesday, August 17, 2010, a team of bike riders will arrive in Pensacola, FL. Fr. Matthew Ruhl, decided to combine his passion for the poor with his passion for cycling to promote an innovative plan to reduce poverty and Cycling for Change was born. The public is invited to participate in local activities designed to raise awareness about the work being done to reduce poverty in Escambia County by 50% by 2020.
Want to Go?
What: Cycling for Change Rally & Proclamation
When: August 17, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Where: Southwest Corner of Plaza de Luna, 900 S Palafox Street, Downtown Pensacola
Cost: Free, Donations accepted
Details: Information on hand for the public to learn and join in the work being done to reduce poverty. A proclamation will be issued to designate week Poverty Solutions Week. Look for signs designating public parking.
In case of inclement weather the rally will be held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart parish hall, 1212 E Moreno St.
At the Plaza a new organization, Pensacola Bike Co-op, will be collecting used (or new) bikes through public donations. Volunteers will then refurbish the bikes to be sold (or given) to individuals with limited or no income. When it is the primary means of transportation, a bicycle can often mean the difference between work and unemployment.
What: Cycling for Change short segment bike ride (3 miles)
When: August 17, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Where: Foot of Bayou Chico Bridge (corner of Barrancas Ave & Pace Blvd)
Cost: Free, Donations accepted
Details: Volunteers will be directing segment riders at this location. Look for signs designating public parking. All riders are encouraged to wear helmets during segment ride. In case of inclement weather the segment rides will be canceled.
What: Cycling for Change long segment bike ride (11 miles)
When: August 17, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Where: Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 10650 Gulf Beach Highway
Cost: Free; Donations accepted
Details: Volunteers will be on hand to direct segment riders at this location. Look for signs designating public parking. All riders are encouraged to wear helmets during segment ride. In case of inclement weather the segment rides will be canceled.
Approximately 43,000 people live in poverty in Escambia County. One initiative from Unite Escambia’s Poverty Solutions Team already working to reduce poverty one family at a time is Bridges to Circles led by Catholic Charities of NWFL. Bridges to Circles matches people living in poverty who have a strong desire to become self-sufficient with allies who provide support as their family moves out of poverty.
Mark Dufva, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of NWFL, is joining Fr. Ruhl and his team in Ft. Morgan, AL and will ride with them to Tallahassee, FL. Dufva said when asked about why he is riding, “I am joining this incredible group of riders to make the statement that our level of poverty in Northwest Florida is simply unacceptable.”
The route is subject to change due to weather, road conditions, and logistical plans.
If you would like more information about the Cycling for Change event please contact Haley Richards,
(850)429-7296, ext. 17 or richardsh@cc.ptdiocese.org
CYCLING FOR CHANGE REGISTRATION FORM——DUE AUGUST 3,2010
Tallahassee,FL —Cycling for Change and Homeward Bound with the combined efforts of local organizations and businesses are participating in a community-wide rally on Saturday, August 21st from 11 a.m. -2 p.m. at Kleman Plaza. Come join us for a poverty proclamation, speakers, music and more. Meet these amazing cyclists! For details about the ride and events along the route, visit www.cyclingforchange.org or contact Kathleen Conwell at 816.714.2380. For information about the rally contact Debra Herman, Regional Director, Catholic Charities, 850.222.2180 or Mary Weil, 850-222-0499, The Shelter.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Cycling For Change Cyclists and segment riders arrive to Newmann Center from Marianna, FL
Dinner (provided by Knights of Columbus, Good Shepherd) at Hope Community, Tallahassee, 5:30 p.m. -7 p.m.
Akin Akinyemi, County Commissioner
Father Matt Ruhl
Dedication to Marcus Hepburn
Tour of Hope Community
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Cycling for Change-Homeward Bound Community Rally (Poverty Awareness)
11 a.m. – 2pm at Kleman Plaza, Tallahassee
Mayor John Marks of Tallahassee – Proclamation for Poverty Solutions Week
County Commissioner Akin Akinyemi – Proclamation for Poverty Awareness Day
Father Matt Ruhl and the Cyclists
Tallahassee Homeless Speakers Bureau
Music
6 p.m. Mass and at St. Louis Church, Tallahassee
Meet and Greet provided by Knights of Columbus in Church Hall
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Cyclists leave Tallahassee for Perry, FL where they will be received by Mayor Emily Ketring and Mass at Immaculate Conception Parish and Meet and Greet afterwards in the church hall
