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Oct 9, 2020

Ride Through the Rockies in Support of Habitat for Humanity smashes Its Fundraising Goal Despite COVID-19 Restrictions

Calgary, AB - Since 2014, Star Building Materials Calgary has coordinated and sponsored Ride Through the Rockies, an impressive fundraising cycling event in support of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. To date, the event has raised over $700,000, and with a collective attitude of “the show must go on,” the 2020 event was successful as a virtual ride, amidst COVID-19 restrictions.

Andrea Khoury holds up a sign

Typically occurring as a multi-day event in the Rocky Mountains, the ride took place on a single day this year, August 22, with participants logging their cycling kilometres on Strava and sharing their results on Facebook, participating in whichever city they live in. Riders could choose their own route (outdoors or indoors), aiming to hit 60, 100, 160, or 200+ kilometres over the course of the day.

“I feel it’s such an important initiative, and I am so glad that Star Building Materials could keep it going, despite the restrictions,” said Nicole Younge, Senior Estimator, Star Building Materials, Calgary. “It’s an incredible event, and even though this year’s ride looked a little different, the sense of community and camaraderie was definitely still there.” 

Cyclists participating in the Ride Through the Rockies 2020

This year’s event saw 43 participants ride more than 5,000 kilometres across Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Canmore, Lake Louise, Invermere, the Okanagan, and Missouri. The fundraising goal for the ride was $20,000, and collectively, the participants managed to raise more than double that amount, reaching a total of $42,000.

“This ride continues to bring the cycling community together year after year to support affordable homeownership in Southern Alberta,” said Ken Crockett, Vice-President, Star Building Materials. “This year, COVID-19 stopped the riders from cycling together, but it didn’t stop their commitment to helping local families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.”

Sue Rodgers participating in the Ride Through the Rockies 2020

Habitat for Humanity builds homes for working families in need of independence and stability, providing a renewed sense of pride and responsibility for those in need.

“We’re so grateful for the way that Star Building Materials, Ken Crockett, and the Ride Through The Rockies fundraisers supported us, even through tough economic times and the uncertainty of COVID-19,” said Gerrad Oishi, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. “The funds raised by this event have helped us support Habitat homeowners impacted by COVID-19 by providing mortgage relief and other supports that have helped them navigate new realities. Thank you to everyone who was part of making this event a tremendous success.”

Nicole has taken part in the ride the last several years and believes the impact of Ride Through the Rockies is widespread and more than just exercise to raise money for a great cause.

“On top of feeling great about helping families, there’s so much to be said for the friendships gained through the ride, and of course the sense of personal accomplishment felt at the end of each day,” said Nicole. “It’s just all around great for the soul!”

Click here to view the event recap video on Facebook, put together by Star Building Materials Calgary and Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.

Jarek Bekesza cycling with arms raised

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