Ride for Refugees - About the RIDE

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Ajax meeting tomorrow morning with pastors and friends from Carruthers Creek - thanks Dave Adams for those introductions and Mika and Angela
2010/03/10 4:58 pm [More...]

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What is the RIDE?

Who are Refugees?

The numbers are staggering - 67 million refugees and internally displaced peoples according to a 2007 United Nations report. Over half are women and children, vulnerable and voiceless while they flee war, persecution and tribal violence. While Canada, Australia and the United States play active roles sponsoring refugees, the needs and challenges of this global displacement of people continue to accelerate.

RIDE Vision

What if there was a small but meaningful way to personally connect to this big and impersonal crisis, a way for someone to make a real, tangible difference in the life of a refugee? That's the vision behind the Ride for Refugees: to create a growing worldwide movement of people riding their bikes, raising funds and passionately advocating on behalf of refugees.

RIDE Description

The Ride for Refugees is a non-competitive cycling fundraiser held annually during October and May in cities throughout Australia, Canada and the USA. This family-friendly event attracts individuals and teams from churches, schools and businesses who ride from 5 miles (10 km), to as far as 60 miles (100 km), while raising awareness and much-needed funds for the refugee programs of International Teams.

RIDE Innovation

What makes the RIDE unique is its commitment to authentic partnership. The RIDE extends its reach and impact through the innovative RIDE Partner Grant Program that allows refugee-serving churches and charities to receive 50% of the funds raised by teams riding on their behalf. No other fundraiser shares this generously. (See Ride Partner Grant Program for details.)

RIDE Momentum

Since its inception in 2004, the RIDE has grown dramatically. In 2009, the growth will continue with an expected 6000 riders and volunteers riding in 20 cities while raising well in excess of one million dollars ($US).

Why the RIDE is Growing

From a standing start in 2004, the RIDE has grown to 20 cities in three countries in 2009. A new spring date will be added in 2010, bringing the total to at least 50 cities each year. There are a number of reasons for this rapid growth:

1. Compelling Cause: The plight of refugees is heartbreaking. Their stories of survival are inspiring. We can't imagine what they've gone through, but we feel the need to try. The RIDE is proof that a lot of people also feel the need to respond.

2. Shared Success: The innovative RIDE Partner Grant is unlike any other program in North America. Its win-win scenario provides motivation for everyone to work hard at bringing team captains and riders to the event to raise a lot of money for refugees.

3. Event Excellence: The RIDE boasts a phenomenal website and online fundraising system (also used by Walmart Walk for Miracles). Our marketing collateral and media support is both cool and practical. Our commitment to location management and support speaks to organizational excellence.

4. Dedicated People: The RIDE is growing on the backs of dedicated volunteer leaders. Participants are committed to the refugee cause, and to the RIDE specifically.

5. Financial Integrity: The Ride for Refugees operates under the strict supervision of the management team and Board of Directors of International Teams. Annual audited statements and financial practice policy is available at-a-glance online.