Twenty cyclists have put Niagara College in the Platinum Peddlers Club after raising more than twice the team’s fundraising goal at this year’s Big Move Cancer Ride in support of the Niagara Health System’s (NHS) Walker Family Cancer Centre on September 8.
NC’s team collected more than $11,000 in pledges this year, far surpassing its goal of $5,000 and earning a spot in the Platinum Peddlers Club, an elite program that recognizes Big Move teams that have raised more than $50,000 over the years, or individuals who’ve raised $10,000.
NC’s team has raised in excess of $51,000 for the Cancer Centre since 2019 under the leadership of team co-captains Joanne Maltby, Associate Director, Global Customized Training & Consulting, and Mike Pasquale, Associate Director, Strategic Procurement.
“Over the last few years, we’ve had individuals – superstars – from our team singled out by NHS as inspirational stories,” said Pasquale. “Achieving the Platinum Peddler status was not a stated goal for us, but it’s nice to be recognized. The turnout and support from the College community never ceases to amaze me. It’s great seeing new faces each year and returning riders donning the blue-and-white.”
The team’s top fund-raiser was Paramedic student and NC Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) Board of Directors member Bruin Pol, a cancer survivor who was riding for the second time. His total raised was $5,875.
“Last year’s Big Move Cancer Ride with Niagara College was more than just a challenge; it was my first ride as a teen cancer survivor, dedicated to my aunt, who was battling cancer at the time,” Pol said. “Sadly, I lost my aunt this year, and a few months later, another aunt. I decided to ride again this year in their memory, setting an ambitious goal of $5,000 – one I thought was out of reach. But I was wrong. Not only did I meet and surpass my goal, but I also helped push the Niagara College team into the Platinum Peddlers Club.”
Pol said 2025 will mark his 10th anniversary of being cancer free. Reaching Platinum Peddler’s Club status for raising $10,000 himself – as he expects he will – will be especially gratifying.
“Over the past two years, I’ve raised nearly $10,000 and will likely join the Platinum Peddlers Club as an individual as well,” he said. “Being inducted both as part of the team and as an individual on my 10-year cancer-free milestone will be nothing short of an amazing feeling.”
School of Food and Wine Sciences faculty member Sonya Siebert was recognized for being the rider with the most donations – 44 in total. She said she enjoyed being able to represent NC, connect with others from the college and work together on a shared goal, and to ride in honour of someone important to her.
“This was my second year participating on Niagara College’s cycling team in the Big Move Cancer Ride,” she said. “On Ride day we (heard) how every dollar supports local cancer, along with inspiring stories of hope and successful recoveries. There isn’t anyone I know who has not been affected by cancer in some way or another. I completed this ride with my girlfriend and her family who, as a breast cancer survivor, inspires me!”
There’s still time to add to the team’s fundraising total: team or individual pledges can be made online until October 31. Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a tax receipt.
There are also a few NC team jerseys available for $35. To purchase one, email Mike Pasquale at [email protected].
