Calling all lovers of the outdoors, cycling, and a combination of the two! This fundraiser is for you.

The first ever Bike For Joy fundraiser is taking place this weekend, and Pastor Andaza Hezekiah from Joy Fountain Church is inviting all to come out and enjoy a day of cycling and enjoying God's creation, all for a great cause.

"It's kind of unique," shared the pastor. "We chose to have a family fun day where all we do is ride a bike!"

The day is not a competition, but rather one to enjoy in companionship alongside friends and family. "It's just an opportunity to ride our bikes, get some air, enjoy the weather, [and] at the same time raise some funds for a community that is in need."

The community Joy Fountain Church will be supporting through their Saturday ride is located in Mancow in the West Congo, says Hezekiah. "We are hoping that we can support their quest for water.

"There's many communities in the world that where what we take for granted here, like potable water, is not available. They have to walk kilometres... to get water."

The length for the anticipated weekend ride will be around 12 kilometres, along the Transcona trail from Plessis Road to the Perimeter Highway.

Cycling participants are asked to pay a participation fee to ride, which will serve also as a donation for Mancow's water. Families will be charged $25, adults $10, and children under 12 will cost $5.

"There's something about communities coming out to do something," Hezekiah shared. An opportunity to visit with others while enjoying a leisurely ride along a trail abuzz with activity is certainly a chance, he believes, to share faith with others, as well as enjoy a lovely afternoon.

"It's an opportunity to talk to people," the pastor said. A lot of times when we are out, people will act keen and interested in why we're doing what we're doing, but mostly the fact that we aren't just doing something for ourselves... at the end of the day, the proceeds are leaving this country, they're going somewhere to support a community who I think would be excited and blessed to know that people over here care for them."

The pastor says that he remembers biking as a kid, stopping for a while, until about three years ago when he just "leaned in."

"I'm getting better," Hezekiah chucked, sharing that he has been reintroduced to cycling through some of his congregants. "I love riding bikes."

Hezekiah was also excited to announce a number of corporate sponsors for the church's fundraising event, including Charleswood Roofing, Debt Medic, FB International Placement Services Ltd., Winnipeg Wholesale Pools and Spas and Winnipeg realtor Bernie Nault.

Those interested in participating can meet up at the Transcona Heritage Park on Saturday, June 8. The ride will begin at 10:00 a.m. More information can be found here.