What’s our APPtitude? Make those miles count with Charity Miles
By Amanda Merriman
Dear Castle Pines community, I’d like you to meet Charity Miles. Charity Miles is an app that connects active people with worthwhile organizations making a difference in our world. So many of us already hit the trails as walkers, bikers and runners. Why not donate these miles to a cause you believe in?
After downloading the free app, you can make a profile or anonymously begin earning money for a charity of your choice. Currently, there are 40 different organizations from which to choose. You can see a tally of how much has been earned for each charity, as well as basic information regarding the cause. There are quite a variety of options! I have been donating miles to Girl Up, a campaign where American girls help other girls across the world via programs through the United Nations. After you choose where to donate your miles, simply select your activity. Once you have done this, the app will start tracking your miles via GPS. At the end of your activity, you can see how your hard work has paid off.
Charity Miles is able to donate money to these organizations because of outside corporate sponsorships. In fact, you will notice that companies like Johnson & Johnson, for example, “sponsor” you during your miles. Cyclists earn up to 10 cents per mile while runners and walkers earn up to 25 cents per mile. Although this may not seem like a lot, it certainly adds up. So far, Charity Miles has earned over $2 million for various organizations.
Some users have noted that the app does not always accurately track your mileage. I experienced this myself once. In the end though, I figured I was still making a difference. I track training miles separately through a fitness watch, so the integrity of my workout data was not affected. When using the app, keep your battery charged as it uses GPS tracking.
Many in our active community already donate money to races, walks and rides that support charities. With warmer weather and race season around the corner, make those miles all the more meaningful with Charity Miles.
To learn more, visit www.charitymiles.org/.
