In just a few short months, teams of supporters across Canada will lace up their shoes to walk, run, cycle, or do other activities in the 2024 Journey for Hope: an engaging fundraiser for the work of PWS&D.
In Elmira, Ont., Darlene Vandermey and her team the Gale Riders are preparing for their third year doing the event (after previously supporting PWS&D through Ride for Refuge).
“I’ve always been a very strong believer in PWS&D in general, and Journey for Hope is to me a branch of PWS&D. It’s a way of actively supporting, in addition to monetarily supporting, PWS&D,” the team captain beams.
For Darlene, the Journey for Hope is a way to merge her interest in cycling with a cause she is passionate about.
“I became passionate about cycling in the Journey for Hope because I am a cyclist. When Journey for Hope came up, and it was mentioned that we could cycle, I latched right onto it. It came in line with my feelings of what PWS&D does for the world.”
The team from Gale Presbyterian Church was formed in 2019, when Darlene rallied her congregation to be a part of the ride. “I just put out an invitation to anybody that would like to cycle.” Seven people responded. Since then, the group, which is entirely composed of seniors, has grown each year.
One of the things Darlene loves about the Journey is the ability to appreciate the beauty and accessibility of trails near her church. “We’re very fortunate that we live in an area where there are some rail trails. The first year, we chose a trail very close to our homes, that all of us could get to very easily.”
“We actually divided our small group of seven into two so that we weren’t too close together. We did about 10 kilometers. For some of them in the group, that was a huge amount.”
In 2022, with nine people riding, the intrepid cyclists took on about 15 kilometers, and last year the momentum continued, with 11 riders taking a cycling tour of historical sights in Elora amounting to close to 20 kilometers.
“The same people that started have stayed, and we’ve added people along the way. Each year, people say ‘let’s do it again next year!’”
Even those who are not able to cycle are involved. Darlene shares that she tells the congregation, “You are joining us through your monetary donation, and as you pray for us. That day, you are actually riding with us.”
Riding to Raise Support
Teams who participate in the Journey for Hope set a fundraising goal, then work towards meeting or exceeding it. The money raised this year will support PWS&D’s work to reduce food insecurity for people affected by the ongoing global food crisis.
Each year, like many other teams the Gale Riders have exceeded the fundraising goal they have set. This, for Darlene, is the most exciting of all. “The people in the congregation are amazing as far as supporting us. They not only support the Journey for Hope when it takes place each year, but they also respond to need that PWS&D makes us aware of during the year.”
The Journey for Hope is a way to both raise funds for a specific cause like food security, and help ensure congregations are aware that they can respond through PWS&D at other times. “While the Gale congregation has always diligently responded when there is a need,” Darlene considers, “I think they respond more eagerly and quicker because of Journey for Hope.”
While folks may ride their bike all summer long, the fall Journey for Hope is a highlight: “There’s something more. We’re all very aware of what we’re riding for and the purpose of going for that ride. It’s a special ride for us.”
There’s still time to create or join a team to ride in the Journey for Hope on September 28 and raise funds for food security. Visit WeRespond.ca/JourneyforHope for more information and to sign up.
