$86,542118%Goal:
$73,000
Kitchener Grand River
Hosted by COMPASS Refugee Centre
What moves you? The Ride for Refuge, a family-friendly fundraising bike + walk in support of local charities serving people seeking hope, safety, and freedom. Join us Saturday, Oct 5, 2024!
Community Sponsors
Kitchener Grand River (COMPASS Refugee Centre) is super grateful for our fantastic 2024 sponsors! View all sponsors >
2024 RIDE Photos
Thanks to all of our amazing photographer volunteers! If you've got RIDE Day photos or videos you'd like to share, email them to photos@bluesea.org.
Event Day Details
Save the date - RIDE Day is October 5, 2024!
Schedule
- 3:00 pm: Meet Check-in + Welcome
- 4:00 pm: Move Send-off
- 5:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 6:00 pm: Mosey Thank You! See you in 2025!
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 check-in personally at the event on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
- 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.
- There is no registration fee to participate in the Ride for Refuge, but most participants raise $250-300 or more in support of their charity.
Have questions? Visit the FAQ section!
Waivers
All participants should register online.
- Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.
- Youth/Children: under 18 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 walking and fundraising for!
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. Mail them to RIDE Head Office 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. Mail it to the RIDE Head Office with your completed pledge sheet.
Kitchener Grand River Maps
Check out this year's RIDE route maps below:
Family friendly trails, streets and bike pathways. Enjoy scenes and historic sites along Schneider Creek. Double the fun for 20km. The same great route as 2023!!
Walk the scenic trail over the Grand River Bridge (2.5km turnaround) or continue to the historic Pioneer Tower and Betzner Homestead (5km turnaround). Keep your eyes out for eagles!
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 >
About COMPASS Refugee Centre
RIDE or WALK with COMPASS Refugee Centre
#justice: We assist people with the refugee claim process that leads to their protection in Canada
#thriving: We accompany people as they settle and experience belonging in their community
#welcomingcommunities: We advocate by tackling barriers to justice, thriving, and belonging.
Join COMPASS on October 5, 2024!
Contact Us
RIDE Kitchener Grand River 2024
The RIDE Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email kitchenergrandriver@rideforrefuge.org