Every August, as most of Alberta enjoys the last stretch of summer, more than 50 professionals from across the homebuilding and construction industry trade steel-toe boots for cycling shoes and volunteer shirts. They take on Ride Through the Rockies (RTTR) – a 300-kilometre challenge through Southern Alberta’s rugged landscapes.
What drives them isn’t just the thrill of the ride. It’s the shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.
A ride that builds more than endurance
Since 2014, RTTR has been more than an athletic feat. It’s a fundraising powerhouse for Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, an organization that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope through affordable homeownership.
This year marked the 12th edition of the ride, presented by Qualico, bringing together builders, developers, suppliers, and industry leaders for one common goal: to break the cycle of housing insecurity.
In the first 11 years, the Ride raised more than $1.6 million, making a tangible difference for dozens of families across Southern Alberta. In 2025 alone, riders and sponsors contributed an incredible $432,143 in 2025, pushing the event past the $2 million milestone. A powerful example of what happens when an industry comes together for a shared purpose.
Why housing matters to our industry
Affordable housing isn’t just a social issue; it’s a cornerstone of economic stability and community resilience. As industry professionals, we know that the cost of homeownership has soared, leaving many working families priced out of the market.
That’s why RTTR resonates so deeply. It’s not about charity. It’s an investment in the communities we help build every day. By supporting Habitat’s affordable homeownership program, the ride creates a pathway for families to own a home through an interest-free mortgage and a partnership model that requires volunteer hours and financial readiness.
Industry collaboration in action
The faces behind RTTR represent the full spectrum of the homebuilding ecosystem – contractors, supplies, tradespeople, and executives – coming together outside the job site to make a difference.
For many, the event is also about camaraderie. Riders train together, encourage one another up steep climbs, and celebrate each success along the way. Behind every kilometre is a story: of why they ride, who inspired them, and how the cause connects to their work.
Take Mike Delaney, Director of Sales at Lux Windows and a 12-year RTTR veteran: “I didn’t grow up with much. In fact, my family lost our home while I was in high school. I finished high school sleeping on a friend’s couch before I went off to university,” he shares. “A home is more than four walls and a roof. It’s a safety net, a place where your biggest dreams take shape. That’s why I ride.”
Or Martine Yzerman, a five-time rider and passionate supporter: “Cycling has always been my passion, but Ride Through the Rockies gave it a purpose. The ride is tough—there are moments you want to quit—but then you remember why you’re out there. Knowing that every climb and every kilometer is helping a family move into a safe, affordable home? That changes everything.”
The real impact: From pedals to possessions
The dollars raised on this ride don’t sit in an account – they translate into walls, roofs, and keys in hand. Habitat homes built with funds from RTTR have welcomed dozens of families, giving children stability and parents the ability to plan for a future.
These homes aren’t free. Families purchase them through an affordable, interest-free mortgage, paying no more than 30 per cent of their income on housing costs. That difference means room in the budget for groceries, education, and savings.
In a year when headlines about housing affordability dominate the news, RTTR is proof that industry-led initiatives can move the needle.
Looking ahead
RTTR will return in 2026 with fresh legs and the same commitment: to ride for a purpose bigger than themselves. Until then, we celebrate what this community accomplished in 2025 – $432,143 – and the lives that will change because of it.
Because when our industry rallies behind a shared vision, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
About Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta
Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta partners with working families to help them build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. Since 1990, Habitat has partnered with more than 400 families, creating safe, decent homes and brighter futures for more than 1,200 children. Families purchase their homes with an interest-free mortgage, paying no more than 30% of their income on housing costs, ensuring stability for generations to come.
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