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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.