St. Max students cycle for a cause

May 25, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

The gym at St. Maximilian Kolbe in Aurora was filled with princesses, ducks, Hawaiian skirts and football players last week: all riding stationary cycles to support a worthy cause.

Students and faculty dressed up in costume for The Inside Ride, a national touring fundraising campaign fighting childhood cancer.

Sponsored by the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation, St. Max was one of over one hundred Ontario stops on the agenda this year.

“Our goal is to live in a world where no one has to hear ‘your child has cancer”, said Jenn Davies, Program Manager of The Inside Ride.
Now in its fourth year, the tour is Canada’s first and only national indoor cycling challenge.

Davies said the funds are divided into the areas where they see the greatest need, such as funding of oncology camps, family support programs, survivor scholarships and other areas that ease the burdens of a family experiencing childhood cancer.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer at some point, somehow, some way. We can all relate.”

Together, the students of St. Max raised approximately $12,000 for their ride. 100-percent of proceeds goes to the foundation.

Teams of six took turns riding stationary bicycles for ten minutes at a time, with prizes at the end going to the team that “rode” the farthest.
But, it seemed that most participants in the 35 teams were more into the team spirit and cheering than they were the competition.

“Some students take it seriously, but for most the whole event is about spirit and having fun,” said organizing teacher Laura Franciosa. “It’s a good time for all the students, and the teachers ride too, and we raise money at the same time.”

“Medals also go out to the best costume and most spirited team, which are often difficult to choose,” said Davies. “It really brings people together, not so much for the competition but for the nature and excitement of it.”

Organized by Grade 12 students, the event was high-spirited and loud for its entirety.

“With the music bumping, and all the dancing, and everything, it really makes fundraising fun,” said Davies. “The kids are having fun, the teachers are having fun, and money is being raised, which is of course the end goal.”

“Hawaii Six-O” topped the donation pool, with the team bringing in $400 to the cause. Teams “Miss Universe” and “The Mathletes” rounded out the top three, contributing over $300 each.

“Everyone did an incredible job of raising money for a good cause,” said Melton Moyo, Vice Principal of St. Max. He was especially proud of the excitement he saw in the students – and not just because they weren’t in class.

“I’m proud of our entire student body today. Everyone deserves a pat on the back.”

For more information on the foundation, check out www.theinsideride.com.