Students from Georgetown Christian Reformed Church in Hudsonville, Mich., biked for a reason on a rainy autumn Saturday. “I joined to help refugees all over the world, so they can feel just as safe as us,” said Trent Vegter, 12.
The students were among at least 500 riders from several west Michigan Christian Reformed churches who participated in Ride for Refugees, raising $75,000.
Organizers Glen and Kori Vanderkooi are members of Pathway CRC in Byron Center, Mich. “It’s important to raise awareness of the 67 million refugees,” Kori said.
Some participants raised money for Tim and Angie Sliedrecht, who work for a partner organization of Christian Reformed World Missions in Uganda.
Georgetown CRC middle school director Lisa DeVries said it was an opportunity for the youths to participate in missions. “Riding a bike is something they can do,” she said.
