People rode their bikes, ran, and walked for the Cold Lake Food Bank.
The city’s third annual Ride for Refuge had another successful event on Saturday, Sept. 29.
Participants braved the cold by sporting winter coats, toques, and gloves to raise over $18,000 for the food bank.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with support for the last two years,” explained organizer Lindsay Toth. “This being our third year has surprised us once again... Especially in these temperatures, it’s a great reminder that everyday can be uncomfortable for some people because they don’t have food to eat.”
The ride has doubled in participation since its first year. This time around, 65 people walked, ran, and biked to show their support.
“You don’t have to be a cyclist to participate. You can walk, you can run, you can be a strider, you can bike, and you can also volunteer. Our volunteers are what really make this event possible,” Toth expressed.
Director and manager of the Cold Lake Food Bank, Phil Crump, noted the event is the “one major physical healthy family event of the year” for them.
“It’s a great day. It’ was kind of chilly outside, but everybody has a warm heart, and they’re excited to be supporting the food bank,” he said.
Participant Ryan Strong was the first one across the finish line.
He said, “(The run) was cold, but, super nice. It’s always a fun run.”
On his own, Strong raised $220 while his team, the Lakeland Lutheran Saints and Sinners, fundraised roughly $2,700.
The money from the Ride for Refuge is put toward food hampers.
Every week, the Cold Lake Food Bank sends out over 90 hampers to families in need.
“The containers of food that households get when they come to the food bank, there’s four different sizes. There’s a hamper for one person, two people, three to five people, and six or more... The basics are all the same, there’s just more of it for a bigger hamper,” explained Crump.
Toth first learned about Ride for Refuge through church, when she lived in Ontario. She participated in a ride in Edmonton before deciding to bring it to the Lakeland.
“Being an avid cyclist, I raised money for Habitat for Humanity. Then, I thought ‘why can’t I bring this event to Cold Lake?’ I set out to do it, and the Cold Lake Food Bank was the charity of choice,” she recalled.
The Ride for Refuge takes place in 30 communities across Canada, with each event donating to the organizer’s charity of choice.
