About Reception House Waterloo Region
Reception House provides assistance to newly arrived refugees in the Waterloo Region. We have welcomed and supported thousands of refugees since 1987.
We focus on ensuring that newcomers settling in Waterloo Region are successful by providing temporary accommodations, orientation to life in Canada and access to health care. As our newest neighbours begin to settle and integrate into our community, we assist with providing support to secure meaningful jobs and access to mental health care so that healing from loss and trauma can begin.
More than ever before, we need your support. Waterloo Region and our communities are strongest when we all provide our newest neighbours with a warm welcome.
Through capacity building, case management and referrals, we strive to provide all refugees in Waterloo Region a successful settlement experience. With support from people like you, we know we can provide a warm welcome to our newest neighours! Ride with us this fall and help create a welcoming community where newcomers are welcome.
Event Day Details
Save the date - RIDE Day is September 23, 2023!
United College
190 Westmount Rd N, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G5
Schedule
- 10:00 am: Meet Check-in + Welcome
- 12:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 1:00 pm: Mosey Thank You! See you in 2024!
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: There will be one rest stop on each route with 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, September 23, 2023.
- 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!
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.
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. Late September 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!