Kelowna
Okanagan 4 Ukraine Foundation & NITEO
79 Participants|22 Teams|164 Donors|10 Sponsors|33 Volunteers
The RIDE is a family-friendly fundraising ride/walk where we gather for local charities that support people who are seeking hope, safety, + freedom all across Canada. Join us Saturday, Oct 3, 2026!
2026 RIDE Photos
Here's a collection of our favorite photos from RIDE 2025 nationwide. Special thanks to our many amazing photographers!
About Okanagan 4 Ukraine Foundation
“I want my children to feel safe again.”
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, millions of people have been forced to leave their homes and rebuild their lives in the face of war.
Okanagan 4 Ukraine helps Ukrainians recover, rebuild, and thrive, both here in the Okanagan and in Ukraine.
Together with our Ride partner, NITEO, we believe that bread feeds the body and books feed the future.
By participating in RIDE, you support newcomer families in the Okanagan, help teachers better support war-affected students, provide fresh bread to families facing food insecurity in Ukraine, and help children develop the literacy skills they need to thrive.
Every kilometre ridden and every dollar raised helps create hope, resilience, and opportunity for people whose lives have been disrupted by war and poverty.
Join us this October - start a team, sign up, and help change lives, both at home and in Ukraine.
About NITEO
“The books tell me I can be something great in the future.”
We have a vision for a world where all children have the community & resources they need to dream big dreams and face the future with resilience and hope.
When you cycle/walk and fundraise with RIDE, you make it possible for children and families to develop the literacy skills they need to build bright futures in the Okanagan and Uganda.
By participating in RIDE, you support newcomer families in Kelowna + Vernon through family reading programs and summer day camps AND you will support libraries and reading clubs in Uganda.
Join us this October—sign up, start a team, and ride + walk with us to make a difference - both at home and in Uganda.
Kelowna Scoreboard
Are you thrashing the competition (for a good cause)? Find out here! Stats are updated every 15 minutes. See how you stack up on the national scoreboard >
Community Sponsors
Kelowna (Okanagan 4 Ukraine Foundation & NITEO) is super grateful for our fantastic 2026 sponsors! View all sponsors >
Event Day Details
Save the date - RIDE Day is October 3, 2026!
Start/Finish Google Map
1186 High Rd, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1N1
Schedule
- 10:00 am: Meet Check-in
- 10:45 am: Muster Gather for Opening Remarks
- 11:00 am: Move Send-off
- 12:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 1:00 pm: Mosey Thank You! See you in 2027!
Not able to join us at the Main Event? We hope you'll register, fundraise and participate offsite with friends and family.
Route Details
- Route Distances: We have great routes where you can walk 2.5 or 5 km or bike 10 or 20 km.
- Rest Stops: The rest stop will have yummy snacks and drinks.
- Signage: Routes will be well-signed with our bold orange RIDE signs.
- Route Support: Route marshals, rest stop hosts, and support vehicle drivers will provide support along the route.
- Children 12 and Under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- No Pets: We love our little furballs like you do, but pets are not permitted at Ride for Refuge except for approved and trained service animals. Read more about our pet policy >
Check-In
- All participants attending at the Main Event on Saturday, October 3, 2026 must check-in upon arrival.
- Please Note: There is no registration fee to participate in the Ride for Refuge but fundraising is encouraged.
- T-shirts! Fundraising participants who raise $150+ (or $75+ for those under 18) will receive a RIDE shirt as a thank you on Event Day, while supplies last.
- Offsite fundraising participants can contact their local event director to arrange shirt pickup the week of the event.
Have questions? Visit the FAQ section!
Handling Money
- Credit Card: The Best Option! Simple, secure, automatically tax receipted for gifts of $20+. Visit the Donate page, share your personal page link, or have your donor call the RIDE Head Office.
- Cheques: The Old Faithful - made out to Ride for Refuge with your name on the Memo line. Bring them to RIDE Event along with your completed pledge form.
- Cash: You have 2 options:
- 1. Login to FundHub, click “Enter $$ and Cheques,” create pledges for your cash donations, pay them off with your personal credit card, and keep the cash. OR...
- 2. Write a cheque (made out to “Ride for Refuge”) for the total amount of cash you’ve collected. Bring them to the RIDE Event with your completed pledge sheet.
Waivers
All participants must register online and accept the electronic waiver.
- Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.
- Youth/Children: under the age of majority need a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
- An online waiver form will be emailed to all parents/guardians before RIDE Day.
- You may also bring a filled-out paper waiver.
- Waivers will be available at check-in on RIDE Day.
What to Bring
A few common sense suggestions:
- A cell phone for emergencies (recommended but not required)
- Your bike and helmet or walking shoes
- Extra snacks if you have allergies or food sensitivities
- Your own water bottle
- Warm layers with moisture-repelling clothing. Early October weather can be cool, with rain and wind. The weather might also be gorgeous and sunny. So be sure to keep your eye on the forecast.
- A passion for the charity you're fundraising for!
Contact Us
RIDE Kelowna 2026
The RIDE Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email kelowna@rideforrefuge.org