Youth charity Brothers In Arms (BIA) has been announced as the Auckland regional recipient for funds raised by TEAR Fund’s charity cycle event, the TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle being held on March 5, 2011. The TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle offers riders the opportunity to `pedal for a purpose’ in the family-friendly events in Auckland, New Plymouth, Nelson and Christchurch.

TEAR Fund executive director Stephen Tollestrup said, “The Poverty Cycle event aimed to help at-risk children and youth around the world. “We are happy to support the excellent work being done among Auckland’s youth by Brothers in Arms. Brothers in Arms has an exceptional programme mentoring at-risk youths and helping them to get their lives on track for a better and more stable future.”

Mr Tollestrup said, While TEAR Fund was an international aid organisation pledged to help the poorest, it had always set aside a portion of its budget for projects in New Zealand. “In each region we are holding a Poverty Cycle event, a local charity working with children and youths will benefit from funds raised.”

BIA General Manager Wade McMillan said, “We are extremely grateful to work with TEAR Fund and take part in the Poverty Cycle. It is exciting to work with an organisation who keeps in mind the kids in their own backyard as well as those in need overseas. The event will both raise awareness about our programme as well as help fund our operations in 2011, enabling us reach a larger number of Auckland Youth who are in desperate need of someone passionate to get involved in their lives.”

For those who want a greater challenge, the Poverty Cycle includes a ride covering the length of the country with two core teams of up to eight members, cycling over 10 days. They will ride the 630kms from February 22 to Friday March 4, 2011.

The North and South Island teams will converge on the steps of Parliament to present to a politician or the Prime Minister a letter about their concern for poverty and how New Zealanders can make a difference. This will be followed by a free concert in Wellington.

The event is endorsed by former All Black, Michael Jones, top New Zealand tri-athlete Clark Ellice of New Plymouth, and TV personalities, Clinton Randell and Jon Bridges.

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

ENDS

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