About SOFIA House
At SOFIA House, we strive to provide comprehensive services to families who have experienced domestic violence. Our first priority is to provide a safe environment through the provision of 20 furnished apartments. Along with the buildings’ locations being kept confidential, SOFIA House offers an added measure of safety through security cameras, secure entrances, and on-site staff.
In addition to safety, we also provide supportive counselling services which are designed to address the many emotional and practical challenges that families experience when exiting unsafe situations. Our Women’s Program Coordinators work one-on-one with residents through a trauma-informed, women-centered approach to providing support, setting goals, and working towards the future. This may include helping families connect with resources in the community and providing advocacy and support with legal, medical, and financial matters.
Weekly group programming also provides an opportunity for women to connect and learn from each others’ experiences. Children also have access to individual and group programming offered by our Children’s Program Coordinators with the support of our dedicated volunteers.
Event Day Details
Save the date - RIDE Day is October 5, 2024!
Schedule
- 10:00 am: Meet Check-in + Welcome
- 12:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 1:00 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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)
- Extra snacks if you have allergies or food sensitivities
- 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.