CHARITY CYCLE RIDE: RAISING FUNDS FOR SUSTAINABLE ACTION WITHIN MANILA’S POOREST COMMUNITIES

Globally, COVID-19 has plunged an estimated 100 million people into extreme poverty. In the Philippines, many have lost their livelihoods in the pandemic and many find themselves in increasing debt, making it impossible for the most vulnerable to lift themselves out of poverty. At the same time, the Philippines faces a climate crisis. The Philippines contributes an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of mismanaged plastic into the ocean every year – the third largest contributor in the world. This includes nearly 60 billion sachets and 17.5 billion shopping bags each year.

Environmentally and economically sustainable livelihood options are urgently needed for those living in poverty to survive and thrive. Dana Asia is working to address these things through a new Sustainability Hub concept to stimulate alternative forms of sustainable livelihood income for the most deprived as a way to overcome extreme poverty while reducing plastic waste through recycling.

First, the establishment of a new recycling facility as a centre for the collection and recycling of plastics will promote environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste while providing direct employment opportunities. The plastic will be turned into eco-bricks and other construction materials for use in the construction of social housing and other community buildings. Next, new business opportunities will be created by facilitating microfinance and capacity building to support the setup and scaling of sustainable small businesses, run primarily by women. One sustainable business concept championed by the Hub is the eco sari-sari store, constructed from eco-bricks, which will promote zero-waste retailing through bulk purchasing and refill stations to make affordable essential goods more accessible to community members with minimal negative environmental impact.

Working in partnership with the Rotary Club of Gawler Light in Australia, the Rotary Club of Manila, microfinance institute Grameen Pilipinas Microfinance Inc and technical partners in-country, the project will improve livelihoods, health, food security and local ecology through the elimination of plastic as an environmental hazard and stimulation of business activity.

To raise funds for this exciting new venture, Duncan Power, CEO of Dana Asia, is taking to his bicycle to cycle from Adelaide to Darwin this April, a gruelling 3,016km ride along the desolate Stuart Highway. Each kilometer cycled will raise more funds for an aspiring micro-entrepreneur to start her own business, and save kilograms of single-use plastics from ending up in rivers and the ocean.

With a total fundraising target of 110,000 AUD, we need your support. Every dollar donated will be match-funded, so for every $1.00 donated by you, $2.00 goes directly to the project. Donations can be made online via the GoFundMe page.