Bike for Shelter Raises Money for Vulnerable Children

Imagine an event that combines a community bike ride with a barbecue lunch, carnival games, music, bounce houses, and life-saving care for Missoula’s most vulnerable children.

That’s what Watson Children’s Shelter’s Bike for Shelter event is all about.

On May 21, 2022, Watson Children’s Shelter staff, participants, volunteers, family, and friends will gather to celebrate 22 years of Bike for Shelter – a FREE family-friendly event at the Community Medical Center campus at Fort Missoula. 

Each year, over 100 kids — infant to age 14 — are brought to Watson Children’s Shelter. These children have been abused, neglected, abandoned or their family is in crisis. Most children are brought to the shelter by social workers or the police.

Participants raise money for the shelter’s life-giving work. While some children may only be in care for a few days, on average, children stay at the shelter for around 60 days. Some children may stay longer until their family crisis is resolved or longer-term supportive care can be arranged. The shelter answers the call 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

During the event, cyclists will line-up for one of three rides: a 2-mile fun ride around Fort Missoula, a 10-mile ride along the Bitterroot Trail to Blue Mountain Road, crossing MacClay Bridge and finishing along South Avenue, OR the new 20-mile route where riders follow the scenic Bitterroot Trail to Travelers’ Rest State Park for a pit-stop. After, everyone will gather back at the event grounds for a FREE community barbecue lunch, carnival games, music, bounce houses, Bike Rodeo, rock wall climbing, petting zoo, and MORE.

Attending this FREE event helps Watson Children’s Shelter continue to provide a safety and stability to children and families in Montana. 

To participate in Bike for Shelter visit www.WatsonChildrensShelter.org