With hundreds of kilometres cycled and loads of team spirit, NC’s Big Move Cancer Ride team finished off their cycling and fundraising efforts on Sunday, September 26.
This year’s team consisted of 18 college staff and faculty members, who pulled together to raise nearly $6,000 for the Walker Family Cancer Centre, exceeding their $5,000 goal and finishing in the event’s top 20 teams with a thirteenth-place result.
Team leads Joanne Maltby, Regional Manager, South Asia, Mike Pasquale, Manager, Strategic Procurement and Janet Pizzati, Manager, Student Financials, organized a series of Tuesday training rides throughout the summer as an opportunity for team members to safely gather in preparation of the event.
They also set a schedule for group rides in September, allowing NC’s participants to complete their event-day rides together with the event taking a virtual format again this year.
Pasquale, who attended every team ride, enjoyed getting to know his teammates. “It was fun meeting new people at each of the training rides, I’m happy to say that we had at least one person join us at every Tuesday evening ride,” he said.
“It gave me a proud feeling seeing all the riders in their NC jerseys and wearing blue and white, it was always an impressive sight. Knowing we were all there to support the hospital foundation, but to also meet colleagues that we may never have a chance to meet and share a common interest – cycling.”
The September 19 group ride was the highest attended ride with 12 team members setting off together from the Rockway Community Centre in St. Catharines for a 50-kilometre journey. NC President Sean Kennedy and Vice President, Research and External Relations Marc Nantel, who was the team’s executive sponsor, were in attendance for the ride.
“We really appreciate the support from Sean Kennedy and the College’s executive team – especially when they join the rides,” said Pasquale.
The team would also like to thank the Marketing and Student Recruitment teams for their help with jersey orders and the use of NC’s banner at the group rides.
More than 300 cyclists took part in Niagara Health Foundation’s annual Big Move Cancer Ride, raising over $360,000 and counting. Funds support the ability for cancer patients in Niagara to receive local treatment including radiation at the Walker Family Cancer Centre.
NC’s Big Move participants will be back again next year for their fourth year riding as an official team. The team leads will share 2022 event details next spring, and all NC cycling enthusiasts, whether experienced or amateur, are encouraged to join in!
