Out-Spok'n riders and donors raise $172,880 for affordable housing
What a day. What a community.
Thanks to the generosity of riders, donors, sponsors and volunteers, Out-Spok’n XVI raised an incredible $172,880 for affordable housing — more than $22,000 above our $150,000 goal.
On June 13th, approximately 75 riders took part in our annual bike-a-thon, while roughly 430 donors supported their efforts. Many of those donors were giving to Beyond Housing for the first time, helping to expand the circle of people committed to ensuring everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.
Martin's grand finale will leave a lasting legacy
A significant portion of the fundraising success came from Martin Buhr’s final Out-Spok’n ride. Martin and the people who sponsored him contributed more than $115,000, helping him surpass his personal goal of $113,000 and reach an extraordinary milestone of more than $500,000 raised through Out-Spok’n over the years.
At age 87, Martin’s commitment to affordable housing continues to inspire people across Waterloo Region and beyond. In the days leading up to the ride, his contributions were recognized in the House of Commons by Tim Louis, who praised Martin’s decades of community service and leadership. Martin also shared his story in a feature interview with CBC. View the interview here: CBC interview with Martin Buhr. (Instagram)
What the numbers show
While the fundraising total is worth celebrating, the most important measure of success is not the number of dollars raised. Every gift moves us one step closer to creating a new 30-unit accessible apartment building in Elmira, providing 30 more households with a safe, affordable place to live.
At a time when affordable housing remains out of reach for many individuals and families, the support shown through Out-Spok’n shows that our community believes everyone deserves a place to call home.
Corporate sponsorships make every dollar count
We are also grateful to our community-minded event sponsors — Kindred Credit Union, VCT Group, Zehr Group and Josslin Insurance. Their generous support covered event expenses and credit card processing fees, ensuring that 100% of the donations raised through Out-Spok’n will go directly toward affordable housing.
To everyone who rode, donated, volunteered, sponsored a participant, shared a social media post, or encouraged a friend to get involved: thank you.
Your generosity is helping to create more than housing. You are helping to create stability, opportunity and a sense of home for neighbours right here in Woolwich Township.
Together, we’re building homes and hope.
Thank you to our corporate sponsors!