About Christie Refugee Welcome Centre
Welcome, safety, and support for refugees.
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto just across the street from Christie Pits park at Christie and Bloor St., Christie Refugee Welcome Centre (CRWC) has provided emergency shelter and a warm welcome for refugee families from all ethnic, racial or religious backgrounds for more than 30 years.
Approximately 200 homeless refugee claimants (100 families) from countries world-wide arrive at Christie each year. At CRWC they receive the care, support and assistance they need to pursue their refugee claim and to reconstruct and begin their new lives in Canada.
RIDE for REFUGE is a wonderful opportunity to support and advocate for refugee families arriving in Toronto.
Event Day Details
Save the date - RIDE Day is October 5, 2024!
Teams can join 1 of 2 events or plan their own route!
Friday, Oct 4 at 11am at 43 Christie St. for a walk event and a lunch BBQ to follow.
Saturday, Oct 5 at 9am at Outer Harbour Marina for a bike ride event.
Please contact your team captain to find out which event your team will be attending and to RSVP!
43 Christie Street
We will start at our location (43 Christie Street) in the back parking lot and walk 2-3 times around Christie Pits park.
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 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
- 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)
- Your bike and helmet or walking shoes
- 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.