Walk N Roll is Here to Stay

                                                              Quinte West Walk N Roll Team

This past Saturday an enthusiastic group of cyclists from Quinte West participated in an event called Walk N Roll for Refugees. This year 39 adults and children were involved, raising  $3,000 for this worthy cause. About half of them were from Trenton United Church and our daughter-in-law, Rebekah Kipp, was the coordinator. 

It's so impressive that this gang cheerfully made their way along a local trail and that kids are actively involved in supporting newcomers to this country. It was certainly an appropriate event given that Sunday was recognized as World Migrant and Refugee Day in many places. 

After worship on Sunday morning I chatted with a couple I didn't recognize and who told me that it was their first time at Trenton United. They added that they'd been away from church involvement for years but noticed the congregation was home to the warming centre, supported the LGBTQ2S community, has a community meal, as well as Walk N Roll. They figured that TUC would be a good place to reconnect. 

Needless to say, I agree -- wholeheartedly. 

Here is a description of the Walk N Roll initiative: 

 Every fall the AURA community finds different ways to raise funds to enable hundreds of Canadians to gain the knowledge, skills & strategies to welcome and support hundreds of refugees in their vitally important first year in Canada.

Some people bike, some people walk, some people bake or read or garden. Whatever you choose to do, you ensure:

That sponsors receive extensive training & mentorship to be well-prepared to help people who have endured great hardship.

That refugee newcomers are able to find housing & health care, learn English, enroll children in school, find employment & access community supports.

Whatever you do, you'll pave the way for a smoother journey for refugees-from hardship to belonging in Canada.