Catholic Charities USA Congratulates Cycling for Change Team

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Sep 13, 2010, 09:15 ET

Recognizes important work raising awareness about poverty in America

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA, the 100-year-old social service network working to reduce poverty in America, congratulates members of the Cycling for Change team for their 3-month, 5,000-mile journey across the United States raising awareness of poverty in America.

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The Cycling for Change team, led by Fr. Matthew Ruhl, S.J., embarked on their journey Memorial Day weekend from Cape Flattery, WA, and ended on Labor Day Weekend in Key West, FL. The team pedaled across the plains, over mountains, down river valleys and through large and small communities to raise awareness of the depth of poverty across the nation – and, to point to some of the solutions.

Fr. Ruhl was accompanied by 11 other cyclists and a support team of four. The 12 cyclists come from all walks of life ranging in age from 24 to 63. They are lawyers, doctors, social workers, photographers and retired volunteers.

When asked what motivates the team, Fr. Ruhl explained, "It's about the poor. It's believing that we have to address the epidemic of poverty in this country – and we have to do it now. I hope and pray the Cycling for Change ride bolsters the efforts of Catholic Charities USA to cut poverty in half in this country by 2020."

Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 "to bring about a sense of solidarity" among those in charitable ministries. Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA has encouraged professional social work practice, provided opportunities for training and networking, and served as a national voice and expert on poverty issues. The Centennial is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and renew the commitment to serve those in need.

For more information about Catholic Charities USA's Centennial activities, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/centennial.

For more information about Cycling for Change, visit http://www.cyclingforchange.org.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 9 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA