USA (MNN) — An Ironman decided five years ago that his God-given gifts should be dedicated to doing God's work.
Christian World Relief Committee's Embrace AIDS Campaign welcomes the commitment of Mike Pluimer to their cause. Pluimer usually competes in three events each year. The last event was Coeur d'Alene in Idaho in June. His next event is in South Africa in April 2009.
The goal is to raise $500,000 by that date. Pluimer and the staff at Join the Race have
put together several ways for people of all levels of skill and ability to get involved. Competitors can join solo, with a team, or get their family involved. Others can join the online chat. The challenge for each "iJoiner" is to see if they can raise $500.
In CRWRC's Embrace AIDS Campaign, the larger goal is to raise $3 million dollars over the next two years. The money will be used to offer Christian assistance and support for people
living with AIDS, including caregivers. It will also be used to educate people on HIV/AIDS prevention in more than 12 countries.
Pluimer lives in Minnesota with his wife and two kids. He works as an Engineering Manager and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has competed in six Ironman competitions and several smaller races. An Ironman competition consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile bike ride.
Just as endurance is needed to finish an Ironman race, the fight against AIDS will take endurance. There are an estimated 40.3 million people worldwide living with the virus.
