At its three locations in downtown Ottawa — Centre 454, St. Luke’s Table and The Well—Belong Ottawa serves more than 600 meals a day and provides many more supportive services to a growing number of vulnerable people in the city. With both need and costs on the rise, the Anglican Community Ministry is hoping to raise $20,000 with its first-time participation in the Ride for Refuge fundraiser on Oct. 4 to help meet urgent needs.
Belong Ottawa is proud to be joining dozens of charities across Canada for this family-friendly event that brings the community together to walk, pedal, push strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers, or pull wagons—all in support of people seeking hope, safety, and freedom.
Organizers hope parishes across the diocese will participate but also that they will spread the word in their communities.
There are lots of ways to get involved and help. Individuals can step up as team captains, form and register a team; invite friends, families, and co-workers to rally to fundraise, and then walk, ride or roll in the event from 10 am to 1 pm on Oct. 4. Those who don’t want to form their own team can join another team or donate funds to support a team.
“Ride for Refuge is a powerful expression of our community’s compassion—people walking, riding, rolling, and pulling together to offer hope, safety, and belonging to those who need it most,” Belong Ottawa’s executive director Shauna-marie Young says. “As the number of people turning to Belong Ottawa continues to grow, so too does the importance of this event. We are thrilled to welcome our Anglican parish partners on October 4—their heart and energy are a gift to this movement,” she added.
St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, Elmvale Acres (934 Hamlet Rd.) has volunteered to be the start and finish point. Participants can choose the length of course that suits them — 2.5 or 5 km or bike 10 or 20 km. It is a great way to provide vital support for vulnerable people in Ottawa, but it can also be a fun opportunity for team building.
“If you haven’t joined yet, there’s still time—come be part of something that truly makes a difference,” says Young.
Register at: https://en.rideforrefuge.org/location/ottawaelmvaleacres
St. Stephen’s, Ottawa — Deanery of Central Ottawa