Boston, June 22, 2015, — On June 20, the Chinese Progressive Association held its annual Bike-A-Thon with almost 100 riders. The Association raised over $20,000 for its youth leadership development program, the Chinese Youth Initiative.
This was the most ever raised for the event. Riders started at the Boston Common at 9:00 AM and participated in an 8 or 16 mile bike ride along the Charles River. Riders ended their ride at Boston Common and enjoyed a picnic provided by local restaurants. All riders were entered into a raffle and top fundraisers won prizes from local restaurants and businesses. Sponsors for the event include Tufts Medical Center, South Cove Community Health Center, Eastern Bank, and Santander Bank.
The funds raised from the Chinatown Bike-A-Thon directly support the Chinese Youth Initiative (CYI). CYI provides internship opportunities to high school aged youth from the Greater Boston area, combining an Asian American Studies curriculum with hands-on community service and organizing projects. This past year, CYI has organized focus groups and community meeting to sharpen the community’s vision for a Chinatown Library.
CYI youth also met with many City Councilors and their staff to help advocate for bringing a branch library back to Chinatown. This year, CYI will have eight new interns who will start their summer internship in early July. Lincy Shen, a Chinese Youth Initiative 2014 intern, said “CYI help me understand my community and social change. I learned about community organizing and how to make an impact on my neighborhood.”