John G. Diefenbaker High School Students Raise Over $25,000 By Pedaling For A Cause

John G. Diefenbaker High School kicked off the Ride with the Leaders (ROTC) fundraiser Friday, with students raising more than $25,000 for Alberta Children's Hospital.

At the event, students of grades 10-12 ride stationary bikes for 12 hours in different groups, participants dress up in costumes and decorate their stations.

The event also featured local artists, a DJ and food trucks.

“It's about giving back to the community and helping those in need, making health care more affordable for children at Alberta Children's Hospital,” said ROTC organizer Sanika Jain.

Each year, the money goes to a different department of the hospital, and this year's ROTC will benefit the oncology department.

“I think it's about giving back to the local community for the whole student body to come together for an event and participate in one day, but also have a fun day out,” he said. Samir Sharma, co-chairman of the school's student council.

John G. For Diefenbaker students, it's a break from Friday classes and a chance to come together.

“It's really fun. Look around, the whole school is here and we love it,” said 12th grader Mandy Ma.

Alexander Luong is in 10th grade and his band Dief's Chiefs raised $700.

“The fun thing about the event is that everyone rides their bikes and hangs out with their friends and has fun,” Luong said.

“It's great to give back to our community.”

Since its inception nine years ago, ROTC has raised more than $170,000, with funds expected to reach $195,000 starting in 2024. The school will hold several more fundraisers next week to help reach the $30,000 mark.

A special attraction for one teacher

Participating in this year's ROTC will be PE teacher Clayton Masikewicz, who is riding his six-year-old nephew, Sloan, on a bicycle.

The teenager was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma last spring.

“This year has been very good for me. Spending all the money on a cause that is very close and dear to me is very important,” Masikevich said.

Sloan and his family had to stay in Florida for a month to receive radiation treatment.

According to Masikewicz, funds raised from the ROTC will go toward opening a new immunotherapy center “they're trying to build in Calgary,” which will ease the burden on families like Sloan's.