Canadians Take to Bikes from Coast to Coast This Week in Support of Justice, Equality, Human Security in African Communities!

NATIONAL, June 1-6: Amidst threats to human health, justice and security from COVID-19 and climate change, one determined network has assembled to create collective impact where it is needed most. This week, from June 1-6, the Canada Africa Partnership (CAP) Network hosts its 17th annual CAP Ride bike-a-thon.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians are finding ways to adapt and continue advancing the causes they care about. For the second year, the CAP Ride takes place as a virtual bike-a-thon, with Canadians in over 35 communities from coast to coast riding from their homes this weekend, while united in purpose and determination to help build a bright future for all.

140 participants have mobilized tirelessly for the past three months to raise funds for grassroots, community-led development in African communities, where the economic fallout from COVID-19 is devastating communities already grappling with the impacts of economic crisis, climate shocks and food shortages.

This network has already raised nearly $65,000 for 18 Canadian organizations and initiatives supporting health, advancing education, achieving gender equality and reducing poverty among the most vulnerable communities, serving tens of thousands of people across several African nations.

Participating organizations and projects include: Art Building Children’s Dreams (ABCD), the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Canada, Beautiful World Canada, Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR), Crossroads International, Graceland Africa, the Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development(ICAD), the Zanzibar-Canadian Diaspora Association (Zacadia), the Olive Branch for Children (TOBFC), and the CAP Network (supporting the work of its affiliate members: Afrah Orphans Education Center, Africa Climate Action Initiative (ACAI), Bridging Worlds Through Music, CAPAIDS, Neloshan International, the Pan African Centre for Climate (PACC) Policy, The Rainmaker Enterprise, and the Village of Love Canada).

The ride kicks off tonight with a virtual opening ceremony featuring remarks from Mario Rigby, the Eco-Explorer who walked the length of Africa. Riders continue to raise funds this week while riding from across major cities including Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Montréal and Edmonton; smaller communities across the country; and in solidarity from around the world, with registrants from Tanzania, Senegal and Brazil.

"The CAP Ride demonstrates what is possible when diverse people and organizations work together in the true spirit of partnership, collaboration and mutual understanding," said Claire Holloway Wadhwani, CAP Network Executive Director. "Since 2003, the CAP Network has created collective impact and forged partnerships between Canadian and African communities that seek to elevate African voices and drive support towards community-led initiatives. We stand in solidarity with communities fighting for equality, justice and equal opportunity for all. We are in this together!"

Organizers are hoping to break last year's fundraising records. Following the weekend’s events, fundraising continues until June 30th.

Learn more and support at: www.canadaafricapartnershipride.ca.