|
We Did It Together:
1600 Riders Made Every Mile Matter
Without exception, the RIDE for Refugees 2008 was an overwhelming success in all ten cities across Canada. All locations reported that the event came off without a hitch and that riders enjoyed fabulous fall weather from Fraser Lake, BC to Halifax, NS. One thousand six hundred and five riders participated in 192 teams raising approximately $600,000 through the generous donations of 8000 sponsors.
Halifax Event Director Tina Fluke was awake at 4:00 a.m. (that's Friday midnight BC time) to begin preparations for the day.
"From the start, there was a buzz in the air," Tina said.
 The Halifax site was different from other RIDE sites in that cyclists rode on hard packed trails along the Beechville Lakeside Timberlea trail system. These trails wind through forests, past waterways and meadows. Cycle Smith Bike Shop was on hand to help with emergency bike repairs. Street Connection, an organization that feeds the homeless, volunteered to prepare and serve food for RIDE cyclists from their bus.
Several refugee claimants from Mexico and countries in Africa rode as well as a staff team from the Metropolitan Settlement Association.
"After the ride, everyone was very positive and interested in talking about next year. I predict that the number of participants in Halifax will double or triple in 2009."
Montreal, an eleventh-hour RIDE site, hosted a single team of 15 but most rode the full 100 km. This site set up a RIDE booth at a local grocery store and raised $400 during the ride, in addition to the money raised pre-RIDE, by drawing attention to riders as they rode past. Event Director Jon Warmington, who is passionate about helping the homeless, is already planning for next year's event.
 "Everything was fantastic," said Terry Howie, Event Director for Oakville. "The camaraderie among the 100+ riders was very humbling. I was moved by the way riders demonstrated the fundamental spirit of the RIDE that people can make a difference if they choose to."
One rider took an unfortunate spill. Though shaken and bloodied, she picked herself up and continued riding. At the end of the ride she was greeted by an ovation from other riders.
"I was really proud of her for hopping back on her bike," Terry said, "and it was really touching to see everyone supporting her."
Two hundred fifty riders in Hamilton enjoyed the fall colours as they cycled past farmland and quaint towns. Eight bikes were donated so that newly arrived refugees from Haiti, Liberia, Burma, Ghana, Burundi and Iran could participate. The True City Movement provided participants with a helpful list of opportunities for further involvement with refugees. Riders browsed the displays set up by refugee support groups.
The RIDE for Refugees began 5 years ago in Waterloo with 25 riders. This year 920 cyclists participated.
"RIDE day was amazing," said RIDE Chairman and Event Director for Waterloo, Brian Carney. "Everyone played their parts to perfection. The volunteers showed up pumped and smiling. The riders followed, flowing into the parking lot like the cars in "Field of Dreams". It was thrilling!"
 The Waterloo RIDE was very well organized. Waterloo Councillor Diane Freeman and RIDE Chairman Brian Carney extended opening remarks. After a few words of encouragement and some very enthusiastic cheerleading, cyclists left the start line in waves and rode the rolling hills of north Waterloo past horse pastures and waving Mennonite children. Police were on hand to help manage intersections and, although not needed, paramedics were also on site.
In Fort Erie 93 cyclists including 2 riders from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania participated. A 6 year-old daughter of a refugee was the youngest rider. A Zimbabwean refugee now living in St. Catherine's and his four sons aged 16-22 also rode. Other refugee-riders from Haiti, Columbia and Rwanda participated. Event Director Glennis Kendrick anticipates that the number of riders will double next year.
About 60 cyclists rode in Windsor including 3 local cycling clubs who found out about the RIDE for Refugees from the website.
"These avid cyclists showed up looking for a well organized ride. They said if there's food, police and medics, they're in," Windsor Event Director Joanne King explained. "Then they became interested in the fundraising part and raised about $850."
When a local Tim Horton's shop found out about the ride on RIDE day, they donated about $70 worth of product on the spot.
"I think we did very well for a first effort in Windsor," Joanne said. "Riders have already volunteered to help plan the event for next year."
 Muskoka Event Director Bill Fitch called the RIDE "a great community day". At the finish line everyone was talking about next year. Sixty riders ranging in age from 6 to 80 participated. It was a very respectable second ride for Muskoka.
"It was a great feeling," Bill said.
In Moosomin, Saskatchewan Event Director Mel Konkle anticipated 35 riders but about 85 showed up.
"The event went without a hitch. This is a very small town and there was a great sense of community. Three local RCMP officers rode in the event and a team of RCMP officers from Saskatoon joined them. One uniformed RCMP officer patrolled the route. I was really impressed by the generosity of people, the huge number of riders who showed up and the willingness of local businesses to sponsor the event. Also, every church in Moosomin took part," Mel said.
 Finally on the west coast, in Fraser Lake, BC, a small team of 8 rode 60 km over a mountainous route into the wind.
"It was a very difficult ride," said Event Director John Harris. "It took 7 hours to complete but no one gave up."
Next year John will change the direction of the route so that riders cycle with the wind at their backs. He's also planning to encourage contacts from Prince George to join them.
"People want to get involved with refugees because Canadians are proud of their country, proud of their homes and would like to share what we have. I'm happy to help organize this event so that I can give people an opportunity to get involved."
The RIDE for Refugees would like to thank every rider, volunteer, sponsor and donor for making the 2008 RIDE such a spectacular success. We're anticipating great things for 2009. Visit our site often to find out more about how the RIDE for Refugees will be benefiting refugees in the coming year and news and updates from your local RIDE sites. Again, many thanks. See you next year!
What Do I Do with Post-RIDE Cheques and Cash?
Any U.S. or Canadian cheques that come in to you (late sponsors, or people still owing you money) that are payable to RIDE for Refugees or International Teams, please mail to:
International Teams
1 Union St.
Elmira, Ontario
N3B 3J9
attn: Janelle/The RIDE
If you receive cash or cheques made payable to YOU, please go onto your Personal Fundraising Page, under "Manage Cash and Cheques" and enter in the donor information there. You then have one of two choices:
- Pay the donations online with your credit card and keep the cash/personal cheques. By doing so - you deem your donations "complete" and nothing else needs to be done, or sent to us. OR...
- Bank the cash and personal cheques and mail us a cheque from YOU, payable to RIDE for Refugees, in the amount of your total funds received. Mail to address above with your completed pledge form.
| |
