Nelson Community Services is inviting residents to come together in support of women and children affected by domestic violence during the second annual Ride for Refuge on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The community fundraising event includes walking and cycling routes along the Rails to Trails system, with all money raised in Nelson supporting the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House.
The transition house provides emergency shelter and support for self-identifying women and children leaving abusive situations. The organization marked its 30th anniversary in 2025 and continues to offer crisis support, safety planning and connections to community resources.
Organizers said the event is an opportunity for residents to show their support for neighbours facing violence while helping ensure local services remain available.
“Ride for Refuge is about more than fundraising. It’s about standing alongside people in our community who deserve to live free from violence,” said Anna Maskerine, executive director of Nelson Community Services. “When we come together, we send a powerful message that no one has to face this alone.”
Participants can choose from 2.5-kilometre and five-kilometre walks or 10-kilometre and 20-kilometre cycling routes. The event begins and ends at the Svoboda Road parking lot and includes supported rest stops and a meal following the ride and walk.
Beyond raising funds, organizers hope the event will strengthen community awareness of intimate partner violence and the services available to those experiencing abuse. According to Statistics Canada, women account for the majority of victims of intimate partner homicide in Canada, underscoring the ongoing need for local support services.
Nelson Community Services is encouraging residents to take part as walkers, cyclists, donors, sponsors or volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include event setup and teardown, registration, food service, route marshals and medical support.
More information or registration is available at www.rideforrefuge.org/location/nelson.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNow News Alerts.
