It has been evident, especially during the past few years, that Filipino cyclists have been very generous and charitable. These good deeds are not only exclusive to the biking community but also to individuals who are less fortunate and those who need help.
This year, campaigns, donation drives, protests and charitable works for the improvement of the welfare of other people have been widely praised by cyclists and those who do not ride a bike. Here are some examples: bikers were able to deliver goods to small community pantries around Metro Manila, a call to share city spaces garnered the attention of city officials to recognize bicycles and a community bike shop.
First Bike Ride was able to set up a donation drive earlier this year that gained support from many kind-hearted individuals. We were able to donate 20 bicycles to kids of the Aeta indigenous community in Pampanga. Currently, the second batch of our donation drive is still running and so far, we’re able to distribute two bicycles to deserving individuals — one for a father who had his bike stolen in Manila and another one is for a family whose patriarch bikes to work from Mandaluyong to Valenzuela.
Before the year ends, youth organization San Beda Rover Circle set up a fundraiser called “Padyak Para sa Masa: a Virtual Bike-a-Thon.” It involves a cycling challenge with registration fees to raise money for their organization’s programs that help poor communities.
“Mostly, mapupunta ‘yung donations sa San Beda Rover Circle to fund our programs like donating printers and papers to schools. Currently, meron kami sa Malusak Elementary School. At magkakaroon kami sa may Zapote in Las Piñas,” Padyak Para sa Masa Project Manager and San Beda Rover Circle member Renmar Remalla told First Bike Ride.
He added, “Magta-try din kaming magbigay ng mga Japanese bikes para sa mga taong nangangailangan at may plan kami gumawa ng community library.”
He said that part of the proceeds for Padyak Para sa Masa will also go to an outreach program to an adopted community of Rotaract Club of Alabang Madrigal Business Park, their official partner for this event.
So how do we participate in this good deed?
Registered cyclists need to complete a certain distance in a span of one month from November 8 to December 7: 500 kilometers for the Casual Rider category, 700 kilometers for the Super Rider and 900 kilometers for the Ultimate Rider.
Participants must download fitness app Strava to record their activities and they should take pictures of themselves wearing a helmet as proof that they did get on the saddle during the rides.
There will be prizes that will be raffled for those who will be able to complete the challenge. Cyclists who finish will earn respective raffle tickets based on their categories. Plus, those who will be able to get five people to register will garner five additional raffle entries.
Registration can be found here and is until November 7.
For more details visit San Beda Rover Circle Facebook page.
