Cyclathons raise Thousands for Uganda

Mennonite Central Committee
Saturday, 30 September 2000

Two cyclathons held by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) this year have raised more than $23,000 for relief work in Uganda and the money is still coming in. The two cyclathons were designed to meet the needs of both experienced and recreational cyclists and give them an opportunity to do something unique to help those suffering from the effects of drought and war in Uganda.

In August, thirty participants cycled a challenging 400 km circuit in the Okanagan that began and ended in Keremeos and took cyclists through Merritt and Kelowna. Cyclists praised organizers for a well-planned event.

"The support was excellent, the food was good, the hospitality (at host churches in each town) was great, it was a really well organized ride," one cyclist enthused.

Thirty-five more participants chose an easier ride for the same cause on September 16, cycling 50kms on the Sumas Flats in the Fraser Valley. Designed for families, some showed up with kids in tow and enjoyed a sunny day cycling a long but easy course.

Earl Klassen, who organized both events, was enthusiastic with the turnout and the funds raised adding that he hopes both rides will repeat next year with even greater numbers.

"I've already got 12 new cyclists interested in the Okanagan ride for next summer," he said. Klassen expects that the total number of funds raised will reach $30,000.

Both cyclathons support MCC's relief and development work in Uganda. Over the past 13 years, people there have suffered from the effects of drought and war. In the last two years, communities have been attacked by rebels. Some 10,000 children have been abducted and forced to work as front-line soldiers, porters and concubines. Many people have been forced into "protected villages" by the military, obligating them to leave their houses and crops to the rebels.

On top of this suffering, drought has resulted in crop failures and the loss of seed stock for future crops. Starvation has already begun. For many Ugandans both the present and the future look bleak.

MCC has responded by providing food, seeds and hoes to 10,000 of these forgotten people. The money raised at these cyclathons will fund this projects and it appears that cyclists are just as enthusiastic about supporting the project as they are about cycling.

One participant in the Okanagan ride reflected, "It makes the challenge that much better to know that I'm helping someone overseas."

For more information, or to contact Mennonite Central Committee, see their website at: www.mcc.org