International Orthodox Christian Charities Announces Virtual Bike Ride for Funds and Fun

Second Nationwide Online-Only Event Offers Humanitarian Outlet amid Pandemic

Baltimore, Md. (September 22, 2020) — Following the success of its Virtual 5K in June, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is holding a Virtual Bike Ride on Saturday, September 26, 2020.

With the big day fast approaching, supporters are gearing up to bike the course of their choice — physically separated but joined in a common cause. Competitive and leisurely cyclists alike will bike 1, 10, 50, or 100 miles, outdoors or indoors, on a standard or a stationary bike. The goal is for participants to ride together but separately anytime on race day and to share their support for IOCC by raising funds.

IOCC’s in-person fundraisers, long a mainstay of community-level engagement, have moved largely online to protect the health and safety of all involved. Volunteers looking to support IOCC’s worldwide humanitarian work are invited to join the fun.

After signing up at iocc.org/virtualride, each registrant receives a race bib to download and print, plus a personal fundraising page to customize and share with friends and relatives. After completing their courses, all participants will receive virtual medals, and the top fundraiser will receive a thank-you gift of a handcrafted item from a country where IOCC works. In addition, participants with the top times in each category will receive an IOCC t-shirt.

“We’re so excited to have our amazing supporters come together virtually again,” said Christina Meares, IOCC’s Manager of Outreach, Donor Engagement, and Special Events. “So much has changed this year, but one thing that’s still constant is IOCC’s work helping others. This race is a fun way anyone with a bike can be part of that mission.”

Register for the Virtual Bike Ride, or donate to support participants at iocc.org/virtualride. All funds raised will support IOCC’s ongoing humanitarian and development work around the world, which includes response to the Beirut explosion and to natural disasters in the US Midwest and Gulf Coast.

In the ongoing pandemic context, many people across the country and around the world remain separated by physical distance and concerned for their well-being. IOCC is closing out the summer and kicking off the new Church year by channeling supporters’ energy to support its mission of service.

###

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is the humanitarian relief and development agency of the Assembly of Canonical Bishops of the United States of America. Since its inception in 1992, IOCC has provided more than $715 million in humanitarian relief and sustainable development programs in over 60 countries worldwide. Today, IOCC applies its expertise in humanitarian response to natural and manmade crises in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, offering assistance based solely on need. Learn more at iocc.org and follow @IOCCRelief on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

DOWNLOAD VIRTUAL RIDE BANNER