Cyclists raise over $10,000 for Ukrainian orphanage
A 100 mile bicycle trek took place this weekend raising money for a good cause.
The Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus, along with other bicycle enthusiasts, covered the first fifty miles Saturday going to Moose Jaw, before finishing the trip Sunday back to Regina.
Trek coordinator Terry Shalley said the group is raising the money for the Sisters of St. Joseph’s in Saskatoon.
“The reason why we're doing this today is because of the situation in Ukraine where many orphans require assistance,” said Shalley. “Our connections to the sisters of St. Joseph in Saskatoon and people on the ground in Ukraine we thought we would try and raise as much money as we can.”
The group looked for donations through pledge forms where sponsors could donate as little as 1 cent per mile meaning the 100 mile trek would be $1.00
The group raised over $10,000.
Cyclist Vincent Ignatiuk said it’s a special feeling making contributions to a good cause.
“I think we don't realize what we have, how good we have it here and so that money, especially with the exchange rate, it goes a long way for those families,” said Ignatiuk.
“So it definitely means a lot.”
For Shalley, the ride is personal because he has family in Ukraine.
“I'm Ukrainian and I do have relatives in Ukraine and my grandparents came from Ukraine. I know what it's like, I was over there three years ago,” said Shalley. “It was a no brainer so I have got to do something and through the avenue of sports and doing things I just said why not? Let's do it.”
Ivan Nahachewski cycled over 1000 kilometers last year for wheelchairs in Ukraine and is now cycling for the orphanage.
He said the money donated to Sisters of St. Joseph’s will go a long way.
“They run a personal home there and I've been able to see their places in Ukraine,” said Nahachewski. “They do incredible work, they save kids lives, they save kids from human trafficking and things like that. (Orphans) have a very strong disadvantage in life, so for this is going to go a long way.”
For many cyclists, this was the first time ever meeting, and while the event was a huge success there is already talk of making it an annual ride.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.