Who, what, where?
 

Cyclists take an 80-day, 5,600km ‘stand’ against poverty

From March to May this year, cyclist Geoff Dittrich and his team took the fight against poverty across Australia with an 80-day bike ride from Sydney to Perth, aiming to raise more than $50,000 for Opportunity International Australia. Macro for Micro began in Sydney on 8 March 2010 – to coincide with UN International Women’s Day – and finished in Perth on the 29 May 2010 – more than 5,600kms later.

“With Macro for Micro, we wanted to take on a significant physical plight in order to bring attention to a much more serious global challenge,” said Geoff. And bring attention they did: throughout their journey, the Macro for Micro team stopped off at a number of schools, universities and community locations to highlight the seriousness of global poverty and create awareness of microfinance as a sustainable solution. Locals along the trip route kept up-to-date with the latest from the ride through regular video and diary updates the team posted on their website www.macroformicro.com

Former World Ironman Champion and health and fitness expert Guy Leech showed his support by participating in the first leg of the ride from Sydney to Wollongong. “I have spent time overseas working to help people living in poverty and can see the enormous benefits microfinance can offer to the working poor,” he said. “Macro for Micro was a chance to help raise funds for an extremely worthwhile cause.”

A ‘macro’ thanks goes to the Macro for Micro team, everyone who supported the cause at events and stopovers, and of course, everyone who donated!

Headed to the Himalayas

Ever considered taking a few weeks off and trekking the Himalayas? This September, you can join a group of adventurous Aussies who are taking the journey of a lifetime, trekking in the foothills of the mountains to raise funds for Opportunity International Australia’s microfinance partner Shikhar. Currently helping more than 9,000 people out of poverty with microfinance, Shikhar operates in the urban slums of Delhi, where poverty is rife and microfinance services are scarce. Densely populated, these slums are characterised by substandard housing and a lack of basic facilities. The people who live here are desperate for a way out of poverty.

The Opportunity for India Trek aims to reach out to people living in poverty in Delhi, with a fundraising goal of $6,900 per traveller ($3,900 to cover the cost of the trip and $3,000 to go to Opportunity International Australia). Getting curious? The 12-day trip starts on 22 September and is open to anyone – visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/opportunity2010 for more information.


 

OperArtUnity

What do opera, art and food have in common with microfinance? After this March, plenty! Dawn Piebenga, one of our inspiring Sydney Ambassadors, hosted OperArtUnity at the Art Est. school of art in Leichhardt to raise funds for Opportunity International Australia’s work with the poor. At the event, Opera Australia soprano Lisa Harper-Brown and countertenor Christopher Field were accompanied by Patrick Franklyn on the piano to serenade the 100 guests. Former Billy Kwong chef O Tama Carey then treated guests to a special menu and wine list.

As well as offering the venue for the night, Jennifer McNamara, founder of Art Est., commissioned 15 artists to create a ‘micro’ work of art in honour of the microfinance cause, including Archibold finalist Kerrie Lester. Displayed on the evening, these 20x20cm pieces were then sold at auction, with all proceeds going towards the fundraising total of more than $13,000, well above the original goal of $10,000. Our thanks goes out to Dawn and the team for organising such a wonderful event – the next is already in the pipeline!


 

Global Poverty Project

The Global Poverty Project took to the major cities of Australia this April and May with a two-week tour of its 1.4 billion reasons for the workplace presentation, hosted by Opportunity International Australia and kindly supported by AusAID. Presented by Hugh Evans (founder of the Oaktree Foundation and leader of Australia’s Make Poverty History campaign) and featuring David Bussau (founder of Opportunity International Australia and Senior Australian of the Year 2008), the interactive and engaging presentation highlights the raw realities of extreme poverty and illustrates the Global Poverty Project’s mantra that by making small changes, everyone can be part of the solution.

More than 800 people from workplaces and corporations across Australia attended the nine events, hosted at venues kindly donated by corporate supporters Clayton Utz, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Freehills, Minter Ellison Lawyers, Wallmans Lawyers and NAB. Interested in having the presentation shown at your workplace? Please email opinfo@opportunity.org.au