North Simcoe Victim Services is preparing to hit the routes to ride or walk to support local victims

United in Support and Healing

Would you know who to reach out to if you or your loved one is experiencing a crisis? There are so many reasons why we need support in our day to day lives, but being a victim of a tragic circumstance such as assault, fire, fraud, intimate partner violence, sudden death of a loved one and other types of tragedy, can leave us feeling alone and confused as to what to do next. 

North Simcoe Victim Services (NSVS) knows how to give you the peace of mind, the reassurance that you are not alone and the resources that you need to put one foot in front of the other. Our confidential services are given to each victim and their loved ones at no cost by our trained Crisis Responders and NSVS staff in their greatest hour of need.  

On Saturday, October 4, we will come together to stand for the many victims we serve in our region for the 2^nd annual Ride For Refuge, a national event administrated by Blue Sea Foundation, but organized and run by North Simcoe Victim Services staff and volunteers. This annual signature event is particularly focused on raising funds for victims of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking who seek safety and refuge. 

Lynn Thomas, event director and NSVS Crisis response volunteer is expecting this year to be better attended and see more funds raised than last year, “We are currently at 56% of our fundraising  goal of $25,000, which is increased from $20,000 last year after surpassing that goal in 2024. Our call for services has increased by 27% for intimate partner violence (IPV) alone in the past year, which is quite concerning for our community and those agencies who respond to these serious calls for support. We want people to know the signs and symptoms of IPV, human trafficking and sexual assault, and to know about the supports and resources available to them.”  

We invite all bicycling enthusiasts and walkers of all ages and level of experience, to register to stand in solidarity with NSVS, the local OPP and Emergency Services to show support and raise much needed funds for these victims. Registration to Ride for Refuge is free, but all participants who sign up to ride or walk are encouraged to raise funds and advocate for NSVS and join us at the location, 777 Memorial Avenue, Orillia (the OPP Academy property) on event day. The community is invited to join us for the opening ceremony at 10:40 am and will hear from a previous victim why the services of North Simcoe Victim Services, (a member of VCAO – Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario), save lives and help victims see a beter future, one of healing and restoration. 

Ride for Refuge 2025 Lead sponsor is Home Hardware Building Centre for the second year in a row. NSVS is so thankful for the Home Hardware owners for their continued support of the services we give to our region. Thank you to ALL of our generous Ride for Refuge sponsors listed on the website, www.rideforrefuge.org/orillia, we couldn’t do this event without you!  

Features of the event on October 4 include: 

• 2.5/5 km walking routes within the property
• 5km/10km/20km marked bicycle routes supervised by OPP Recruits 
• Rest stop and refreshments on the cycling routes 
• A mingle and coffee time sponsored by Tim Hortons before the ride/walk
• Family games area and face painting 
• The Water Market bottle refill stations 
• Orillia Fire Truck and fire fighters on site to learn more about fire prevention  
• Complimentary lunch provided for all registered participants, volunteers and sponsors by Chick fil-A Orillia 
• Harvey’s Orillia Photo Booth 
• Free t-shirt for everyone who raises a minimum of $150 & a treat for each registrant
• Local dignitaries and greetings at the opening ceremony 

Registration

Registration is free and simple to start a team or join a team already registered at: rideforrefuge.org/orillia – Volunteers are also needed and donations can be made on the website or cheque made out to “Blue Sea Foundation” and dropped off at our office 1 University Avenue, Orillia (Orillia OPP Detachment).

Anouncment

The entire community is invited to join in a month-long fundraiser at Harvey’s  Orillia – 370 Memorial Avenue – beginning on Monday, September 8, restaurant guests can purchase a special “Ride for Refuge Combo” with $2 from each of these meals going toward the  event fundraising. Harvey’s is also the official “Ride for Refuge Photo Booth sponsor” and will offer the restaurant guests to have their name entered into a contest to win a family meal certificate for four, if they take a selfie at the special Ride for Refuge booth at the restaurant during the month, and post to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #ride25Orillia and tag North Simcoe Victim Services.  

For more information on NSVS services: www.ns-vs.com.