Fundraiser to benefit Victoria's Sanctuary Youth Centre
Vulnerable youth in the Capital Region will benefit from an upcoming fundraiser, part of a national event to raise money for a variety of charities across the county.
The "Ride for Refuge" is a family-friendly cycling and walking fundraiser in support of the Sanctuary Youth Centre in downtown Victoria, which helps vulnerable youth aged 14 to 22.
This will be the Sanctuary Youth Centre’s ninth year taking part in the Ride for Refuge. The centre's fundraising goal is $35,000.
Participants can choose between a 2.5-kilmoetre and a 5-kilometre walk, or between a 10-kilometre and a 20-kilometre bike ride.
Funds raised locally will go directly to Sanctuary’s drop-in and mental health programs, with an emphasis on wellness and healthy living.
The centre provides a safe and supportive environment for at-risk youth, giving them access to basic resources such as showers, laundry, hot meals, and sense of community.
“These youth that we serve are experiencing a greater degree of vulnerability,” says Darin Reimer, executive director of the Cornerstone Youth Society and Sanctuary Youth Centre.
He says many of them are on the verge of being homeless or are homeless because they feel safer on the streets than in the home they’ve come from.
The centre opens five days a week and has received more than 40,000 visits since its doors opened in 2004.
“Our vision is all youth are living a healthy and fulfilling lives,” says Reimer.
The executive director is encouraging Victoria area residents to participate in this year's event.
The Ride for Refuge is described 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 be taking part in the ride in 39 locations across Canada, including Victoria.
Each host location will be supporting a specific charity, with Sanctuary the beneficiary of Victoria's ride.
Registration for the event is available online. The ride gets underway at 3 p.m. on Oct. 1 at the Gateway Baptist Church, located at 898 Royal Oak Ave. in Saanich.
For those who would like to help out, volunteers are still needed. More information can be found on the Ride for Refuge website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.