Vulnerable youth in the Capital Region will benefit from the upcoming fundraising campaign, which is part of a national fundraising event for a variety of charities across the province.

"Ride for Refuge" is a family race for cycling and walking to support the Sanctuary Youth Center in downtown Victoria, which helps vulnerable youth aged 14 to 22. This will be the center’s ninth year participating in Ride for Refuge, with a goal of raising $35,000. Participants can choose between a 2.5 km and 5 km walk, or between 10 km and 20 km bike rides.

The funds raised locally will go directly to Sanctuary’s mental health programs, where the center provides a safe and supportive environment for at-risk youth, allowing them access to essential resources such as showers, laundry, hot meals, and a sense of community belonging. In this regard, Darren Reimer, Executive Director of Cornerstone Youth Society and Sanctuary Youth Center, says: "The youth we serve are experiencing a higher degree of vulnerability. Many of them are on the verge of homelessness because they feel safer on the streets than in the homes they came from."

The center is open five days a week and has hosted over 40,000 visits since its opening in 2004. The executive director has encouraged residents of the Victoria area to participate in this year’s event, describing Ride for Refuge as a day when Canadians declare their solidarity with millions of people in Canada and around the world who are seeking refuge from danger, hardship, and abuse. Thousands of participants will join the ride at 39 locations across Canada, including Victoria. Each host site will support a specific charity, and Sanctuary will benefit from the Victoria ride.

Registration for this event will be available online, with the ride starting at 3 pm on October 1st at Gateway Baptist Church, located at 898 Royal Oak Ave. in Saanich. For those who wish to help, volunteers are still needed, and more information can be found on the Ride for Refuge website.