Kitchener Grand River
COMPASS Refugee Centre
239 Participants|25 Teams|808 Donors|93 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!
RIDE Photos from 2025
Thanks to all of our amazing volunteer photographers! If you've got RIDE photos or videos you'd like to share, please contact your local event director.
About COMPASS Refugee Centre
COMPASS + YOU = no refugee walks alone on the road to safety
RIDE or WALK with COMPASS Refugee Centre
The Canadian refugee system is next to impossible to understand and navigate alone. With few resources and many language barriers, refugees also struggle to access basic needs.
The funds you raise for COMPASS will be used to ensure that no one seeking refuge has to walk alone as they seek safety and belonging.
COMPASS + YOU = courageous welcome from us and life beyond refuge for people who are just like us.
That's a pretty big impact your fundraising will have! THANK YOU!!
Join COMPASS on October 3, 2026!
Kitchener Grand River 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 >
Event Day Details
Save the date - RIDE Day is October 3, 2026!
Start/Finish Google Map
500 Doon Valley Dr, Kitchener, ON N2P 1B4
(Doon Valley Golf Course)
We are back at our favourite place to be graciously hosted by Doon Valley Golf Course.
Discover the beauty of Waterloo Region while ensuring no refugee walks alone in their journey to safety. The COMPASS Ride for Refuge routes wind along scenic trails, the Grand River, and historic local landmarks, offering options for all ages and abilities.
WALK 2.5 km or 5 km across the Grand River Bridge and toward the historic Pioneer Tower, or CYCLE 10 km or 20 km along family-friendly trails and pathways through the Doon Heritage District and alongside Schneider Creek.
Every step and pedal helps refugees move from border to belonging in our community.
Schedule
- 3:00 pm: Meet Check-in
- 3:45 pm: Muster Gather for Opening Remarks
- 4:00 pm: Move Send-off
- 5:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 6:00 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!
Kitchener Grand River Maps
Check out this year's RIDE route maps below:
Contact Us
RIDE Kitchener Grand River 2026
The RIDE Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email kitchener@rideforrefuge.org