Newcomers Desert Dove hope to have an impact on their first El Tour

What better way for those in the Peace Corps to help raise money for those in need. That’s what the Desert Doves are all about. They’ve been around about 50 years.

And there are about 500 Peace Corp members in the Tucson area. Where the Doves are based.

They are a non-profit organization of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs).

Their mission is to continue to work for world peace, understanding, and well-being, with an emphasis on bringing the world back home.

They will be part of El Tour for the first time on Nov. 23.

“We asked around and tried to find a place where we could build some camaraderie with the Desert Doves, realizing most of us are bikers,” said Taylor Simmons, a member of Desert Doves and a cyclist. “So, how about the Tour! El Tour is advocates for nonprofits so we decided to signup and get people involved.”

They hope to have about 10 cyclists for the event with the hopes of raising at least $2,000.

“That would be nice but (they know) a little money can go a long way,” she said.

They continue to solicit cyclists for their team. They will be riding the 32-mile event.

“It’s a start,” she said, laughing.

It’s for a great cause, of course, where they offer community service events, social networking, and financial support to community development efforts abroad and across Southern Arizona. The Desert Doves’ purpose is multi-fold and includes three goals:

1) Provide a social network for RPCVs
2) Engage members in community service activities
3) Provide financial support to Peace Corps partnership projects abroad

To learn more about the Desert Doves, visit: https://sites.google.com/site/rpcvtucson/about-us