Ritchey Design Utilizes Social Networking Site to Increase Awareness for Project Rwanda

I know what you're thinking...not another social networking site! I can barely keep up with Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, CyclistVillage, and YourCycling. But how many social networking sites offer you the opportunity to turn your exercise routines into contributions for a non profit organization as worthwhile as Project Rwanda.

Ritchey partnership with Plus 3 Network helps members make "every mile count" towards bettering the economic development of Rwanda


SAN CARLOS, Calif. - Ritchey Design, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality road and mountain bike components, today announced it is working with Plus 3 Network, a beta social networking Web site, to increase awareness and fundraising efforts for the nonprofit organization, Project Rwanda.

By selecting Ritchey Design as a sponsor, Plus 3 members can choose to raise money for Project Ritchey Proj. Rwanda Rwanda with every mile they ride, walk, run or swim. The relationship between Ritchey and Project Rwanda went live on www.plus3network.com on January 7, 2009.

"Project Rwanda, while near and dear to the hearts of many cyclists in the industry, is also gaining support from thousands of individuals who simply recognize the power of a bicycle," said Steve Parke, general manager and vice president of marketing for Ritchey Design. "We are confident our partnership with Plus 3 Network will help connect active individuals everywhere with a very worthwhile cause."

Founded by Tom Ritchey after a compelling personal visit to Rwanda in 2005, Project Rwanda is committed to the concept that the bicycle can be an important tool in rebuilding a country, fostering national pride and addressing local issues facing Rwanda and other African nations.

"In the last two years, Project Rwanda has specifically helped Rwandan coffee farmers through our coffee bike program by providing a tool - our bike - that allows them to change the structure of their work day in a way that benefits their lives and the lives of their families and communities," said Susan Brown, executive director for Project Rwanda. "The contributions and awareness we gain from the partnership with Ritchey and Plus 3 Networks will help us continue this mission."

Individuals who would like to turn their regular (or irregular) fitness routines into a contribution to Project Rwanda can sign up to become a member of the Plus 3 Network at http://plus3network.com/user/signup.

For questions about how the relationship between sponsors like Ritchey and Plus 3 Network is helping dozens of nonprofit organizations garner more attention and funding, please visit http://plus3network.com/home/faq.