Members of the Niagara College community donned their blue and white jerseys on September 14, cycling in Niagara Health Foundation’s annual Big Move Cancer Ride.
Raising just over $5,000, Team NC met its fundraising goal in support of the Walker Family Cancer Centre, bringing its cumulative total to more than $56,000 since forming in 2019.
The team surpassed the $50,000 milestone last year, earning the College a spot in the Big Move’s Platinum Peddlers Club. The Club is an elite program that recognizes teams that have raised more than $50,000 over the years, or individuals who have raised at least $10,000. A special plaque was given to the team at this year’s event, officially welcoming NC into the Club.
“We had a great day riding through Niagara and reconnecting with many of the other riders, teams and volunteers from previous Big Move events,” said Mike Pasquale, NC’s Associate Director, Strategic Procurement, and team co-lead.
“The highlight of the day was having Niagara College inducted into the Platinum Peddlers Club for our collective fundraising efforts. We achieved this goal with the support of all past riders, including staff, faculty, students, friends and family and we’d like to thank all those who have donated to our team over the years.”
This year’s group was made up of returning riders, including Vice President Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises Dr. Marc Nantel, who represented NC’s executive team, and Sonya Siebert, Justice Studies Lab Manager. Siebert was the College’s top fundraiser with $1,600 in pledged donations.
“I am very proud to be part of Niagara College’s cycling team,” said Siebert, who rode 50 kilometres. “Cancer touches so many lives in different ways, each with its own story, which made asking for sponsorship support effortless. My sincere appreciation goes out to all of my sponsors.”
The College also welcomed new team members, including Gavin Robertson, Professor and Coordinator of NC’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program, who raised $500 for a cause that hits home on a personal level.
“This was my first time riding in Niagara’s Big Move Cancer Ride, and it was an incredibly meaningful experience for me,” said Robertson, who rode the 75-kilometre route motivated, in part, by the loss of his father-in-law to cancer this past year. “The Big Move embodies so many of the values we embrace at Niagara College – innovation, community, and compassion – and I was proud to represent NC in this way.”
Robertson appreciated the spirit of camaraderie among participants and the shared purpose to support local cancer care.
“I can’t wait to participate again and build on the fundraising and community-building I started alongside my colleagues this year,” he said. “Events like this remind us that we are stronger together and that every kilometre and every dollar raised makes a real difference for patients and their families in the Niagara Region.”
NC’s team looks forward to riding again in 2026. Stay tuned for details on how to join or support the team.
Team co-lead Joanne Maltby, Associate Director, Global Customized Training and Consulting, was unable to join the team on event day due to work travel. She completed her 75-kilometre ride after the event.
Team NC riders at the 2025 Big Move Cancer Ride. L-R: Peter DiPaola, Sasha Gora, Gavin Robertson, Marc Nantel, Ryan Morris, Mike Pasquale, Dan Nicks, Sonya Siebert.
