A group of Niagara College employees is gearing up for the annual Big Move Cancer Ride this Sunday, September 11 and they’re ready to hit the scenic roads of Niagara – #NCTogether – in support of the Walker Family Cancer Centre.
Team co-lead Joanne Maltby says it’s not too late for the NC community to show its support by joining the team or pledging a colleague through Team NC’s fundraising page. Donations can be made to individual riders or to the team as a whole – with a collective goal of $5,000, every donation makes a difference. The team currently sits at 14 riders and close to $3,200 raised.
“Thank you to NC riders, the executive team and the entire NC community for your support in this important community event with Niagara Health Foundation,” said Maltby. “All riding levels are welcome and we have a few more jerseys on hand if anyone is interested in buying one.”
Those interested in purchasing a Niagara College branded cycling jersey can email team co-lead Mike Pasquale at [email protected].
Ryan Morris stops in Port Dalhousie on August 23 during a 60-kilometre solo training ride in advance of the Big Move. Morris journeyed to his grandparents’ house to pick up a donation supporting his fundraising efforts.
NC’s Ryan Morris (Programmer/Analyst, Enterprise Systems Services, Information Technology Services) will don his blue and white jersey on Sept. 11 when he rides in the Big Move for the first time.
“During COVID-19, Janet Pizzati, a previous Big Move rider and now a [Niagara College] retiree, shared stories and her experience with the Big Move and the positive group atmosphere of the event,” he said. “This, coupled with family and friends with a cancer past, inspired me to join the NC Big Move team this year.”
Morris, who plans to complete a 75-kilometre route, is leading Team NC in donations with $1,500 raised so far.
“Currently my grandfather, Herman Morris, is going through treatment at the Walker Family Cancer Centre for prostate cancer,” he shared. “Each day I ride leading up to the Big Move event, I make a mental list of grandparents, parents, aunts, and friends who have been affected by cancer… this is what fuels my efforts.”
This year’s Big Move is also personal for Maltby, who is riding for a family member who recently lost her battle with cancer.
“I have been participating in this event with NC for a few years now with a focus on the greater community, as I did not have a specific person in mind when riding previously,” she said. However, last month, I lost my 56-year-old cousin to cancer. This year, I am riding for her.”
This year marks the fourth time that Niagara College participants will ride together as an official team in the Big Move, which begins and ends at White Meadows Farms in St. Catharines. Multiple route distances are available and a virtual ride is also an option. Learn more on the event website.
