During the first two weeks of July 2002, Pinawa's own, Hans Miller, will be participating in the 'Habitat for Humanity Cycle of Hope" ride from Winnipeg to Chicago.
The Cycle of Hope occurs annually and is held to support Habitat's objectives of building homes for low income families. To date, since its inception in 1988, Habitat Winnipeg has built 86 houses, mostly in Winnipeg's north end.
This year, the Cycle of Hope is intent on raising $200,000, enough to build about four new homes. The incredible support of the volunteer builders and the generosity of Manitoba's donors have made Winnipeg, Canada's leading and most successful Habitat location.
If you would like to sponsor Hans Miller in this venture you may contact him at:
38 Devonshire Avenue
P.O. Box 246
Pinawa, Manitoba
R0E 1L0
In order to take part in the ‘Cycle of Hope’, each cyclist must pay a $275 admission fee, and raise $2000 in donations for ‘Habitat for Humanity’. All of the money raised by the cyclists goes directly into Habitat’s costs for building homes; while the organization’s administrative costs are covered by contributions from corporate sponsors.
The cyclists’ day starts at 8:00 am and ends at 5:00 pm, with daily travel usually covering around 100 km. The $275 entry fee covers meals, as well as snacks and drinks during the day; while a portion of that fee also goes to covering the cost of fuel for the support vehicles.
Each rider must bring his or her own sleeping bag and air mattress. Community groups along the way provide overnight accommodations, usually at school auditoriums or arenas. They also provide evening meals and breakfasts; and once the riders reach Chicago, support vehicles will be used to bring the athletes and their bikes back home to Manitoba.
Each year since 1994, cyclists have been pedaling in this annual event, raising thousands of dollars to help others. Last year over 40 riders pedaled from Kansas City to Winnipeg.
Your continuing support in this year’s fundraising is greatly appreciated!
Habitat’s commitment
Winnipeg Habitat for Humanity (WHFH) is a Christian-based, non-profit organization affiliated with Habitat for Humanity Canada and Habitat International. Habitat is committed to neighbourhood renewal in Winnipeg’s inner city, by eliminating substandard housing and building homes in partnership with families in need.
Habitat gives a hand up, not a hand out; thus, its mission is fulfilled by providing hope, though building houses in partnership with low income families.
To be eligible for a home, families go through an application and selection process; and in order to be selected, house recipients must currently be employed and not on social assistance. They must have an income that, without habitat’s help, makes them unable to afford a house; and the recipients must make a commitment to put in 500 hours of volunteer labour or sweat equity, within the community where habitat is building. As well, potential home owners must be prepared to work along side other volunteers building their homes, or other Habitat houses under construction. And a final requirement finds recipients committed to making monthly payments on a 20-25 year mortgage, which will be granted at 0 % interest.
The Cycle of Hope is Winnipeg for Humanity’s main fundraiser and one of the pre-eminent long distance rides in Manitoba. It was originally initiated and organized by Habitat volunteers like Lorraine Petkau and Olenka Antymniuk in 1994; when 12 cyclists rode 1,000 km to Eagle Butte, SD, and raised $35,000.