A husband and wife from Tobermory are upping the stakes for their annual ride of the Trans Canada Trail, this year pledging to raise money for Safe N Sound.
Stephanie Tkaczuk and Jason Runions have previously biked stretches from Barrie to North Bay and North Bay to South Baymouth.
Tkaczuk says it was on those long cycles where the idea to raise money in the Ride for Dignity came from.
"On these rides, it's an opportunity for us too — obviously we're pushing our bodies — but it's a deep mental dive and a lot of time for reflection," she said. "Reflect on our gratitude and everything we have and empathy for those who have a lot less."
The duo behind Level 5 Tiling and Renovations said the non-profit shelter that serves Grey and Bruce Counties jumped out as a worthwhile cause.
"We chose Safe N Sound because they're addressing some of the most critical situations," said Tkaczuk.
"That could happen to anybody essentially," added Runions.
"We just wanted to start spreading some awareness about, just a lot of the stigma around not only addiction but homelessness, and the fact that everybody has a story," finished Tkaczuk.
The first official Ride for Dignity will cover 700 kilometres over seven days, as the pair depart from Niagara-on-the-Lake on August 22, making it to Owen Sound for Safe N Sound's annual BBQ on the 27th. The following day, they'll bike back to Tobermory.
In support, the duo started a GoFundMe that is already well on its way to hitting its $5,000 goal.
Tkaczuk says they already have goals for growth down the line.
"We would like to open this up in later years to more participants," she said. "We hope to grow the distance and difficulty each year, so maybe next year is a thousand? Basically, we'd love to complete the Trans Canada Trail cross-country."
For now, those looking to contribute or just learn more, are encouraged to visit the Safe N Sound website.