“It's About Giving Back”: John G. Diefenbaker High School students are pedaling for a cause

John G. Diefenbaker High School kicked off the Ride for the Leaders (ROTC) fundraiser with students on Friday, hoping to raise more than $30,000 for the Alberta Children's Hospital.

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

The event also featured a local artist, 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.

The drive raised $20,000, with funds still coming in as the school's goal is $30,000.

“I think this event gives us an opportunity to come together and give back to the local community for the entire student body to participate in one day, but also to have a fun day.”

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

“It's very interesting. Look around you; The whole school is here and we love it,” said Year 12 student 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 gets to ride their bikes and have fun with their friends,” Luong said. “It's great to give back to our community.”

In the eight years the event has been running, it has raised more than $120,000, reaching $150,000 at the end of this ROTC.

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 was special for me. To be able to spend all that money on something that is very near and dear to me, that's very important,” said Masykiewicz.

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 be used to open a new immunotherapy center “they're trying to build in Calgary,” which will ease the burden on families like Sloan's.