Thank you for expressing interest in the “Tip to Tip for Africa 2011” bike ride taking place on the Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island from Saturday, October 8th to Monday, October 10th, 2011.
You can register now using our online REGISTRATION FORM, located on the right-hand side of this page. Register by September 15th for a chance to win a Nokia smart phone with package. Donated by Video Pros.
Participant Information
1. What are my responsibilities as a participant?
To bike with “Tip to Tip for Africa”, each participant must raise a minimum of $600.00 ($400 if a student) in charitable donations for The Townships Project, as well as pay a registration fee (non-refundable; no tax receipt issued) of $200.00.
2. What happens if I haven’t raised the minimum charitable donation of $600.00 by the deadline?
If you have not raised the minimum charitable contribution of $600.00 by October 5th, 2011, and you still wish to participate, you will be required to make a personal contribution to the charities for the difference needed to achieve the fundraising goal.
3. What is The Townships Project and the Mikinduri Children of Hope?
Since May 1999, The Townships Project has been supporting South African microfinance institutions (MFIs) in township areas in South Africa. These locally-founded and locally-run MFIs make repayable, interest-bearing loans to entrepreneurs, primarily women, to operate a range of small businesses, to become self-sustaining and to break the cycle of poverty. Our vision is that every South African who needs such a loan has access to it and that our South African MFI partners become self-sustaining. Since inception, we have supported more than 4,250 loans, helping more than 21,250 people, at a one-time cost of approximately $50 per individual assisted. Once a loan is repaid, the borrower is entitled to another larger loan, gradually building a credit history and climbing the ladder out of poverty. Over the past 10 years, we have worked with four MFIs in South Africa: Tetla Financial Solution in the townships surrounding Cape Town, Ikussasa Empowerment Trust in the townships surrounding Klerksdorp southwest of Johannesburg, Tsoga Microfinance Services in the townships surrounding Groblersdal northeast of Johannesburg, and Eastern Cape Micro Financing Enterprise in the townships surrounding the city of East London in the Eastern Cape Province. For more information, please visit www.thetownshipsproject.org or email marthadeacon@thetownshipsproject.org.
Mikinduri Children of Hope is a dedicated group of volunteers based in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. It was initiated in 2003 By Makena Ambassa who was born near Mikinduri and now lives in PEI. The following projects were identified as the most urgent:
• To immediately reduce starvation by providing funds to buy food/prepare meals for the orphan children &widows.
• To improve the level of health by providing sources of clean water.
• To improve the life expectancy of newborns in the community by providing funds to complete the maternity ward of the local medical clinic.
• To provide a wellness center for orphans by providing funds to build an appropriate community building which would serve as a feeding center and resource center, as well as a gathering place for community events.
• To provide and/or support related agricultural, food, shelter, and medical projects in the local community.
• To introduce new economic development ideas which would help create jobs and raise the standard of living.
• Education and training will be a major part of all our initiatives.
4. How do I fundraise?
Fundraising can actually be fun and easy … as long as you have a plan and you follow it. Should you wish some help or suggestions, you can download our Fundraising Guide. This guide contains sample solicitations letters and fundraising suggestions, as well as forms for documenting and submitting your donations. Donors who give $15.00 or more will receive a full tax receipt. The person with the largest amount of donations will win a Toshiba 32″ LCD TV with a value of nearly $500, donated from Leon’s!!
5. Who can participate in “Tip to Tip for Africa”?
Anyone over 18 (under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian), of any athletic ability is welcome to join in the “Tip to Tip for Africa”.
6. Can I really be ready to bike from Tip to Tip with 6 weeks training?
Yes! With the proper training and preparation you can indeed be ready to complete this “Tip to Tip for Africa” bike ride in 6 weeks. People with disabilities or health limitations should consult their physician prior to registering for this program. If you wish to follow a suggested training program, some web links will be provided on our Getting Ready page.
7. What happens to my sponsorship donations if I drop out because of injury, personal conflict, or because I was unable to raise the minimum amount of money?
All donations are non-refundable. This is because tax receipts will have been issued for them. If for some reason, you are unable to attend the “Tip to Tip for Africa 2011” bike ride after registering, the money you have raised can be transferred as a credit towards your fundraising for the “Tip to Tip for Africa 2012”.
8. Who do I make donation cheques out to?
All donation and registration cheques should be made out to “Mikinduri Children of Hope”, though be assured that the Township Project receives half of all donations.
9. How do I register?
Complete the on-line registration form and pay your $200 fee using the Paypal button. If you prefer to pay by cheque make it out to “Mikinduri Children of Hope” and mail to:
Mikinduri Children of Hope
25 Waterview Drive
Cornwall PE C0A 1H0Email us at hope@mikinduri.com with any questions.
