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RIDE FOR REFUGE – Press Release                                                                                                           

July 31, 2025

Nelson Community Services (NCS) invites the community to join them for the first annual RIDE FOR REFUGE peer-to-peer fundraising event on Saturday, Oct 4^th.

The RIDE FOR REFUGE is a family- friendly fundraising walk and bike ride in support of Canadian charities that serves people seeking hope, safety and freedom. Locally the funds raised will support the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House (ABTH) which provides emergency safe shelter and support for self-identifying women and children leaving domestic violence and abuse. The ABTH is marking its 30^th anniversary serving the community and this fundraiser will support the programs and services offered there.

Nationally, this event has raised over $23,000,000 since its inception in 2004. This is the first year that the event will happen locally and Nelson Community Services is excited to see how the fundraising goes.

The Aimee Beaulieu Transition House is the only Transition House in Nelson, and offers shelter and support services to women and their children who’ve experienced abuse.  The staff there provide 24/7 crisis line response, emotional support, safety planning for leaving dangerous situations, and guidance on accessing local resources. These services are vital to the people that they serve and the community at large.

NCS Executive Director, Anna Maskerine shares “Nelson Community Services is thrilled to be launching it’s signature fundraiser for Aimee Beaulieu Transition House, Ride for Refuge during this, it’s 30^th Anniversary year of providing shelter and support services to women and children fleeing violence and abuse. “

The Nelson RIDE FOR REFUGE will utilize the rails to trails system and begin and end at the Svoboda, Road parking lot. Participants can choose to walk 2.5 or 5km or to bike a 10km or 20km route. There will be supported rest stops along the way and a tasty celebration meal at the finish line.

Nelson Community Services is hoping the community will come out and make the first RIDE FOR REFUGE a success, making it an annual event that families look forward to each year. They are looking for walkers, riders, donors, sponsors and lots and lots of volunteers.

There are lots of volunteer roles to choose from including set-up and tear-down crews, registration, food team, route marshals, and medical support crews.

For more info contact:

Stephanie Myers (she/her)

RIDE FOR REFUGE Coordinator

R4R@servicesfyi.ca

250.505.410

Would you like to connect with an Elder to talk about traditional teachings and spiritual healing practices? 

The Metis Elder at Aimee Beaulieu Transition House is here to offer you support during this time of crisis.  She is only a phone call away, and is deeply committed to sharing her knowledge and offering culturally based support.

·        Receive culturally responsive support

·        Get practical help

·        Clear your head & your heart

Our elder is available by phone, one evening per week. You can reach her by calling our confidential crisis line at 250.354.4357 and leaving a safe number for her to return your call.