Nelson Community Services is preparing to host its second annual Ride for Refuge next month in support of the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House.
The family-friendly fundraising walk and bike ride will take place Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Svoboda Road Rail Trail parking area in Nelson.
Participants can choose between 2.5- and five-kilometre walking routes or 10- and 20-kilometre cycling routes. Rest stops and route support will be available, with a light meal served at the finish.
The event raises money for the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House, a Nelson Community Services program that provides emergency shelter and support for self-identifying women and their children fleeing domestic violence and abuse.
The transition house opened in May 1995 and marked its 30th anniversary last year.
Nelson Community Services said last year’s inaugural local Ride for Refuge raised more than $23,000 for the transition house.
The Aimee Beaulieu Transition House offers shelter and support services to women and their children who have experienced abuse. Staff provide 24-hour crisis line support, emotional support, safety planning and guidance on accessing community resources.
Program co-ordinator Milena Bieri said the service responds to hundreds of requests for assistance each year.
“Each year we respond to ~450 requests for support, resources, referrals, and safety plans. Annually the staff at the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House supports 50+ self-identified women and their children accessing these services.”
Organizers are also seeking volunteers for several roles, including setup and teardown, registration, food preparation, route marshaling and medical support.
Registration begins at 10 a.m., with opening remarks at 10:45 a.m. and participants setting out at 11 a.m.
People can register to walk, bike, volunteer, donate or sponsor the event through the Ride for Refuge Nelson website.
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