With the image of a dead Syrian boy, Alan Kurdi, washing up on the shores of a Turkish beach, Dan Kazmaier of Canadian Global Response said that moment was the turning point for many Canadians.
“It’s beyond sympathy, now they’re empathetic.”
His Cochrane-based organization – dedicated to aiding people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty – is inviting Cochrane and area residents to hop on their bicycles or lace up their running shoes for the Ride & Walk for Syrian Refugees happening Oct. 3. The ride is part of a series of nationwide events being held in 25 locations.
“We’re trying to create outlets for people to fundraise and make a difference. We find that’s the greatest issue: people want to do something but it’s not practical,” Kazmaier said, describing the difficulty in channeling people’s good intentions into tangible efforts.
Participants will start outside of Calaway Park along the Trans Canada and from there, ride or walk a variety of distances. Riders can choose from a 5, 10, 25 or 50-kilometre ride or the 5-km walk-only distance. The longer 25-km route can be looped multiple times for those wishing to do the 50 km. Rest stops will be available on all distances.
Registration opens at 8 a.m. followed by the opening ceremonies at 8:45. The ride will commence at 9 a.m. with the walking portion starting at 9:30. Lunch will begin at 10:30 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. According to the event’s site, organizers will not be able to accommodate for food sensitivities and allergies.
Kazmaier explained that the funds raised, with the goal of $5,000, go towards partnered groups based in the countries currently being affected where it’s then used. Canadian Global Response has a school in Jordan specifically for the children of Syrian refugees.
“Even at three or four, they’re being stripped of their education and ultimately their futures so most of the funding goes towards that.”
The money raised will go towards basic needs such as food, clothing and school supplies.
He said another important way for people to support the refugees is to advocate for them by contacting their MLAs, as well as volunteering for efforts here in Canada as opposed to flying out to affected countries. But he expressed that fundraising still remains one of the most crucial means in dealing with the crisis.
All riders 12-and-under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Riders aged 17-and-under must have a parent or guardian sign their waiver or bring in a pre-signed waiver form.
Participants aged 13-or-older who have not successfully raised their minimum fundraising level ($75 for 13-17 year olds and $150 for aged 18 and up), will be asked to pay a registration fee of $25.
Those who raise their minimum fundraising amount are eligible for a 2015 long-sleeve RIDE shirt, fully accredited by the Fair Labour Association. Riders of all ages must raise their minimum to earn a T-shirt (kids aged 12-and-under must raise $75). Canadian Global Response has raised around $20,000 since the crisis began in 2011.
To register or for more information, visit canadianglobalresponse.ca.
