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
Trudeau announces new Russia sanctions after Zelenskyy address at G7 summit
Canada will add 74 more people and businesses in Russia and Belarus to its sanctions list, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday as he met other G7 leaders in Germany to discuss the threat to global security posed by the invasion of Ukraine.

No 'warnings or second chances' for illegal activity on Canada Day: Ottawa mayor
Ottawa's mayor is warning the city won't tolerate any illegal activity downtown during Canada Day festivities this year, as the city prepares for possible protests.
Woman trampled, killed by horses at central Alberta rodeo: RCMP
A 30-year-old woman is dead after falling off a horse at the Ponoka Stampede on Sunday.
Ukrainian officials: Russian missile strike hits crowded shopping mall
Scores of civilians were feared killed or wounded in a Russian missile strike Monday on a crowded shopping mall in Ukraine's central city of Kremenchuk, Ukrainian officials said.
Amtrak train derails in Missouri after hitting truck, injuries reported
Several cars on an Amtrak train derailed in Mendon, Missouri, on Monday after hitting a dump truck at a crossing and there are early reports of injuries among the approximately 243 passengers on board, Amtrak said in a statement.
'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float
Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.
New double crater seen on the moon after mystery rocket impact
The moon has a new double crater after a rocket body collided with its surface on March 4.
New Omicron subvariant expected to become dominant COVID-19 strain in Ontario
A new subvariant of Omicron is expected to become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ontario, health officials say.
South Africa tavern deaths: 21 teens likely killed by something they drank, ate or smoked
South African authorities investigating 21 teenagers found dead at an east coast tavern over the weekend said on Monday the youths were probably killed by something they ate, drank or smoked, ruling out the earlier-touted possibility of a stampede.