Ride for Refuge 2020

On October 3, people young and old across Canada participated in the 2020 Ride for Refuge to raise funds and awareness for the work of Opportunity International Canada.  This was the second year that Opportunity Canada participated in the Ride and due to the restrictions of Covid-19, the event was opened up to a range of events that participants and teams could do anywhere.

Together, Opportunity had 10 cyclists, 16 hikers, 2 golfers, 3 dogs, 1 yoga instructor and 1 person who sewed face masks.  The youngest participant was 2 ½ year old Mackenzie who walked and rode for an hour with her mom in Spokane, Washington.  In Toronto, Stefanie dedicated her Saturday morning yoga class to raise funds.  In Alberta, the Barrett family dog was completely worn out by the end of the hike.  In Winnipeg, Kyle and Adam golfed 45 holes for the cause and in Mulmur, Ontario there was a march with 7 hikers.  And at least 6 cyclists each rode 50 km in BC, Alberta and Ontario.

All in all it was a great day although a little chilly in Manitoba and Ontario.  These 30 people, many of them Opportunity staff and their families, gave up their Saturday morning and were united by their passion for the sustainable poverty alleviation work of Opportunity International.  Supported by more than 100 donors (mostly family and friends), the group raised more than $25,000 to help us stand with our Partners and clients, especially now in the midst of COVID-19.

A big thanks to the participants and donors who made this a successful event.