News Stories

The ride to end the poverty cycle: Macro for Micro

Posted 3 June 2010

Close to 80 days after they set off from Sydney, 29 May saw the Macro for Micro cycling team pull up and park at their final destination in Perth, Western Australia, having covered more than 5,600kms along the southern coast of Australia. The goal? "To change at least one life, show people the power of microfinance and to cycle across a continent."

Organised by Canadian Geoff Dittrich, Macro for Micro saw Geoff and friends Isabella Borowiec, Stuart McCrory and Vivian Leung test their fitness and perseverance as they took on a significant physical challenge to raise awareness about global poverty and raise funds to help fight it through microfinance.

Stopping at various locations across Australia, the Macro for Micro team campaigned at numerous universities, schools and special events to raise an incredible $35, 000 for Opportunity International Australia’s poverty-alleviation programs in the Philippines. At an average loan size of $200, this total equates to 175 small loans, money that will have a significant impact on families in need.

Along the route, supporters kept up-to-date with the latest from the ride through regular video and diary updates posted on their website www.macroformicro.com

Reflecting on the journey, Isabella Borowiec, a member of the Macro for Micro team, notes “Personally, this experience was nothing short of amazing…Every single person who has donated or written letters of encouragement has had a huge impact on my life over the last few months and I couldn't have done it without anyone of you.”

Opportunity International Australia sends a ‘macro’ thanks to the entire Macro for Micro team, everyone who supported the cause at stopovers and of course, everyone who donated!