It’s that time of the year again and Team PWRDF Vancouver is back riding on Saturday October 1 in the Ride for Refuge ! This year funds raised will go to provide bicycles to community health workers associated with PWRDF partner organizations. Initially the plan was to provide bicycle ambulances however with innovation PWRDF partners are quickly replacing them with motorcycle ambulances, but there is still a great need for bicycles for community health workers. They are the backbone of PWRDF health programs in hundreds of villages around the world, visiting, advising and teaching pregnant women throughout their pregnancies and after they give birth. Having a bicycle allows a worker to visit more pregnant women and mothers of young children in communities where they live and to visit more communities. Besides their medical and nutritional responsibilities the health workers also assume the roles of friend and advocate. For a compelling personal story you may view that of Rosa a community health worker in Mozambique in the September 9 story on the PWRDF website ‘www.pwrdf.org’.
Providing bicycles is part of the new All Mothers and Children Count program. Amazingly, all funds raised will be matched 6:1 by the Government of Canada, so every $100 becomes $700 towards helping mothers and babies thrive !
There are various ways to be become involved in this fun and life enhancing event. Team PWRDF Vancouver would welcome you joining us to ride distances of 10, 25, and 50 kms along the dykes and byways of Richmond. You, your friends, and family may also choose to walk or jog 5 kms .You may also offer your support online by donating to the team or individual riders.
To sign up as a rider or walker or to provide your support online please visit the Ride for Refuge website ‘ www.rideforrefuge.org’.