This Labor Day weekend, plan to support the Bike Ride for Haiti, a fundraiser for the Michigan Conference’s Gardens of Hope campaign benefiting our Haiti ministry partners.
Make plans now for a Labor Day weekend with purpose. On Saturday, September 5, and Monday, September 7, 2026, Michigan Conference cyclists will hit the trails for a cause that extends far beyond the finish line. The Bike Ride for Haiti fundraiser is part of the ongoing Gardens of Hope campaign and invites riders of all skill levels to join one of two scenic routes over Labor Day weekend while raising support for sustainable agriculture, education, and health care in Haiti. Register now for the Bike Ride for Haiti.
About the Campaign
Gardens of Hope grew out of a resolution overwhelmingly approved by Michigan churches at the 2025 Annual Conference and extended at the 2026 Annual Conference, affirming the conference’s ongoing commitment to the people of Haiti. The campaign draws inspiration from an old saying: give someone a fish, and you feed them for a day; teach them to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime. But what happens when the pond itself is unhealthy or does not exist? Gardens of Hope addresses that deeper need by planting fields of hope so families can sustain themselves for years to come.
Learn more about the Gardens of Hope campaign.
The campaign aims to raise $200,000 and has already surpassed $107,000, with 168 local churches participating so far. Every gift supports three Michigan Conference EngageMI partners: Grace Children’s Hospital, Haitian Assets for Peace International (HAPI), and Jeremie Rising. Half of all donations also go to a newer partner, the Grassroots Community Voices Foundation, which helps develop local leadership in Haitian communities. Organizers hope every United Methodist church in Michigan will consider a gift of at least $350 as a sign of what congregations can accomplish when they work together.
“This campaign is about more than a single gift. It’s about our churches standing together with our Haitian brothers and sisters, planting something that will grow for generations,” said Rev. Tiffany Newsom, Co-Chair of the Michigan Conference Haiti Task Force.
About the Ride
The Bike Ride for Haiti offers churches and individuals a hands-on way to support the campaign while enjoying the beautiful Labor Day weekend outdoors. Riders can choose between two routes: Midland to Clare along the paved Pere Marquette Rail Trail on Saturday, September 5, or Cedar Springs to Big Rapids along the White Pine Trail on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Both rides begin at 8 am. Register now for the Bike Ride for Haiti.
Explore FAQs and download promotional materials for the Bike Ride for Haiti.
Each route offers multiple distance options, so riders can choose what fits their ability and schedule. In Midland, options range from a six-mile one-way trip to Averill to a full 63-mile round trip to Clare. In Cedar Springs, riders can go as short as five miles or as far as a 74-mile round trip to Big Rapids. Whether you are a casual cruiser or a seasoned cyclist, there is a route with your name on it.
Registration is $26 per rider and includes a T-shirt, SAG vehicle support, and snacks and water along the route. Riders are encouraged to set a personal fundraising goal of at least $100, with all donations supporting Haitian missions. Find registration information and the downloadable donation form on the Bike Ride for Haiti web page.
“You don’t have to be an athlete to make a difference here. Show up, ride your route, and know that every mile is helping build a healthier future for families in Haiti,” said Ride Coordinator Rev. Rob Nystrom.
Volunteers Needed
The ride cannot happen without on-the-ground support, and organizers are seeking volunteers to help ensure race day runs smoothly. Needs include drivers for the SAG support vehicles, rest stop helpers to hand out water and snacks, and support for riders who may need assistance along the route. No cycling experience is required to volunteer, just a willingness to lend a hand for a good cause.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Roscommon: Good Shepherd UMC at 989-275-5577 or Ride Coordinator Rob Nystrom at 989-415-3830.
Register by August 21 to guarantee your T-shirt. Visit the Bike Ride for Haiti web page to sign up, choose your route, and be part of a Labor Day weekend that gives back.
Last Updated on August 3, 2026