The RIDE will happen as scheduled on Saturday, October 3, 2020, but will look very different than previous years. Covid-related health risks and operational challenges won't allow us to gather in large groups. Instead, teams are self-organizing covid-friendly plans as permitted.
AURA's 13 teams are all planning different activities for this year's ride. Many will be taking part in their neighbourhoods or have organized socially responsible activities, some highlights include:
AURA Ahmed Wheelers
Ahmed, who arrived with his family through AURA in 2016, has chosen to lead a team because "By participating in the RIDE, I can help pay back to Canada and AURA for the freedom they have given my family." Ahmed and his team will be riding in Newcastle.
Riders4Refugees
Team Leader Tim Taylor has chosen a flat and beautiful route for his team to participate this year. Their 10km round trip along the Don River bike paths will be starting and finishing at the Sunnybrook Stables. Tim has a history with refugee sponsorship is so impressed by the work that AURA does, that he as recently volunteered to join our Board of Directors.
Bike-thru Bakery
Elizabeth, in Aurora, is planning on holding a "Bike-thru Bakery". Her network includes people in the mountain biking community who love biking AND sweet treats, so she will be baking up a storm for the RIDE. She'll be inspiring people to contribute to AURA with chocolate chip cookies, banana muffins, and blueberry pie. Very creative!
Welcome Home
Marin (AURA staff) created this team because she "feels extremely fortunate to call Canada home - now more than ever. She wants to do her part to ensure as many people as possible can make Canada their home too." Join Marin's team for a socially distanced walk from Riverdale Park to Riverdale Farm (East end, Toronto) to mark the 2020 RIDE.
You still have time to join any of these or one of the ten other teams. Your participation helps raise awareness of refugee issues and your support helps refugees on the journey to safety..