Each of us has hobbies that we are passionate about.  Sometimes, with some creativity, those hobbies can be turned into a way to make a difference in our world.  In this issue, learn about how one man is using something he is passionate about to raise funds for Ray of Hope.

Love, Sweat and Gears: Pedaling with Purpose

Frank’s Journey for Ray of Hope

Life is like cycling; some skills, once learned, never fade. Frank Folkema is a testament to this, a man whose love for biking is a perfect match for his drive to make a difference.

This August, Frank embarks on a meaningful journey.  The Love Sweat and Gears trek is an event of Blue Sea Foundation.  Participants will cycle from Montreal to Prince Edward Island (approximately 1160 kilometers). Each rider must select a charity for which to raise funds (a minimum of $5000).  Frank will be cycling in support of Ray of Hope.  Every turn of the pedal will bring Frank closer to his goal, not just geographically, but in his mission to support Ray of Hope.  His ride is more than a physical challenge; it’s a testament to his passion, purpose, and faith.

Frank is no stranger to long-distance rides, having cycled from Cornwall to New York City (approximately 591 kilometers), Huntington Beach to Colorado Springs (approximately 1756 kilometers), Seattle to Denver (approximately 2100 kilometers) and Tobermory to Halifax (approximately 2071 kilometers).  Each journey combined his passion for cycling with a deeper purpose, raising funds for various charities along the way.  And when asked if he’d ride for Ray of Hope again, his enthusiastic “Oh yeah!” speaks volumes.  His wife, Brenda, echoes his sentiment: “When you start the work, you can’t help but fall in love with it.”

Frank’s first long ride was in 2005 at the Sea-to-Sea Event (Seattle to Denver).  Biking had always been part of his life, but he said this is when things got serious. The challenge of doing a group event fundraiser drew him into a community of faith-minded people, some of whom he describes now as lifelong friends.  Both Frank and Brenda have loved being part of this community and testify to its impact on them over the years.

Frank’s connection to Ray of Hope stems from his children’s volunteer work and his church community. When asked about his motivation, Frank’s response is simple yet profound: “I have to be honest, I love biking!” But it’s more than just a hobby. “The work you do for the community has to be out of love, not something you do out of duty,” he says. “If you can do something with your time not just for your pleasure but do some good for the community it’s a good match.”

Frank’s story reminds us that love and passion are lasting, much like the skill of riding a bike.  Perhaps you have a passion you haven’t pursued in a while.  Consider picking it up again, this time with a meaningful goal.  Let Frank’s dedication to raising funds for Ray of Hope inspire you to find your own path of purposeful passion.

Frank is looking for people to join in the mission of Ray of Hope.  At the time of this writing, he is halfway to his goal of raising $5000.  However, he would love to raise more.  Follow Frank’s journey here.

Summer of Hope

Summer brings joy to many, but for those struggling with homelessness, it presents unique challenges.

Ray of Hope remains a constant source of support, offering cool refuge, nutritious meals, and compassionate care. However, rising food costs and increasing demand strain our resources. The people we serve find solace and support at Ray of Hope. Your donations ensure they have a Summer of Hope.

Spread Hope All Summer Long

• Send three post-dated cheques (June, July, August) for a consistent impact.
• Donate monthly at your convenience.
• Make a one-time generous gift to fuel our support all summer.

Donate

or mail cheques to:

Ray of Hope

230-659 King St. East

Kitchener, ON

N2G 2M4

and indicate they are for the Summer of Hope

Play golf – Have fun – Help youth

Join us on Monday, June 17 at Rebel Creek for the 2024 edition of the Ray of Hope Golf Classic, in support of Ray of Hope’s Youth Support Services.

Included in your ticket price:

• lunch
• dinner
• 18 holes of golf
• cart rental
• a charitable receipt for $50 per ticket

You can sign up as a foursome, a twosome, or an individual. Tickets are $200 per person or $800 per foursome. Purchase your tickets today.

Marketplace Needs

You can help make life a little easier for people in our community who are struggling with food insecurity and other challenges. Thank you!

We have a special need for these items:

• Hygiene items – razors, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, etc.
• Food for Marketplace – school-safe snacks, canned beans, canned veggies, pasta sauce, canned fruit, cereals, baking items, etc.
• Baby items – diapers size 2-5, formula, baby food

For more information, please contact us at donations@rayofhope.net.