The annual Ride for Refuge took place in Winnipeg on October 1 and was a big success.
“This year’s event exceeded all expectations,” says Terry Martin of Niverville, one of the event’s chief organizers. “The weather on October 1 was gorgeous. 600 people participated, compared to 360 last year, representing 27 different charities… and together all those charities raised $177,200… for their life-changing work among the displaced, vulnerable, and exploited people in Winnipeg, in Manitoba, and around the world.”
Last year’s ride raised $124,000, making this year especially productive. Out of 27 ride locations across Canada, Winnipeg was ranked third in terms of participants, donors, and dollars raised. The only two locations to beat it were Kitchener-Waterloo, where the ride originated, and Vancouver.
Martin says there were 7,165 participants across the country representing 252 charities for a total haul of $2,086,000.
Ride for Refuge is unique in that it attracts participants of all ages and physical fitness levels.
“I rode this year, probably one of the oldest participants, if not the oldest,” says Niverville resident Roger Armbruster. This year, his fourth, he cycled in support of Forever Families of Canada. “I was privileged to ride with both some of my children and grandchildren [pictured above]. It was a great family bonding time!”
Armbruster points to the physical and social benefits of partnering with the ride. “As for physical benefit, one can choose to either walk five kilometres, or cycle for five, ten, 25, or 50 kilometres. For myself, as a 72-year-old man, cycling for some ten kilometers was just about my limit, but I felt energized and rejuvenated afterwards. Socially, it has great benefit to connect you with people from so many different walks of life… After the cycling, there is an opportunity to engage with people who represent the different charities, and there is truly a sense that we are all on the same team, all on the same side, all on the same squad as friends and as partners who want to make a difference for other people who are marginalized in some way.”
The financial benefits are clear, according to Armbruster, in reference to Winnipeg’s record-breaking fundraising effort this year.
“[The money] will not come near to helping everybody in the world, let alone in the city of Winnipeg,” Armbruster says, “yet the help that is given to these charities will mean the world to some people, one person at a time.”
Both Armbruster and Martin look forward to next year’s ride, and encourage people to participate and team up with charities that inspire them.
