Thursday, April 21, 2011

Why cycle across America for Coffee Kids?

By Dayle Walker

My name is Dayle Walker and, along with Steven Prime, I am one-half of the cycling duo that is going to bike across America for Coffee Kids. Our film crew, made up of Arturs Liepins and Rebecca Horsburgh, will accompany us as we take on the mission to cycle 3,000 miles in 30 days through 11 states across the continent of America. We understand the challenges ahead of us, especially those of the elements, namely heat and the risk of tornadoes. We also know that the trek through mountain ranges and barren deserts will be grueling.

Since taking on the project, one little three-letter word keeps cropping up: Why? Why would I cycle across America? I must either be crazy or brave. Can it not be a bit of both? And why Coffee Kids?

I’m from England, and Coffee Kids is not well-known here, so I often have to explain what Coffee Kids is about and why we’re doing this. Steve owns his own coffee shop, called Esquires Coffee House, back in our hometown and has long supported Coffee Kids. So it made sense to support something he already believes in and that is also integrated into his business.

For me, personally, it’s about freedom.

I live in a city called Coventry, right in the heart of England. I have a good job, a nice house, eat well, am healthy and play as much as I like because I’m completely free to do what I want. However, the families that Coffee Kids supports don’t have the freedom that I have. They and their children struggle day in and day out just to put food on the table. This not only affects the children’s health, but also their chance at life. Many families can’t afford to send their children to school, and so, many kids work in the fields, helping their families make ends meet.

Steven and I want to raise as much money as we can for Coffee Kids by taking advantage of our freedom, which allows us to take on any opportunity we desire, so that we can give families a chance to do the same—to be healthy, educated and have the opportunity to become and do whatever they dream.

To support Steve and Dayle’s trek across America for Coffee Kids, please visit their donation page at CrowdRise.