It's just about that time again. The hearty and energetic students at Bellerose Composite High School are making their signs, figuring out their costumes and practicing, practicing, practicing riding a bike for hours and hours without going anywhere.
The ninth annual Bike-a-Thon kicks off on Wednesday, March 7 at noon. For 48 hours straight, the students, teachers and other members of the community will keep the pedals moving as a collective effort with both eyes towards eradicating cancer.
Teacher Sue Leighton is the main organizer. She said that this award-winning fundraiser brought in $128,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation last year. "It was quite simply overwhelming and amazing, simply fantastic," she stated.
It's one of the largest school charity events in the province. Of the population of 1,100 students at the school, approximately 675 are directly involved in the effort. Many of the rest cheer them on as they bike on in the school's main rotunda.
This year, 75 teams (including the Iron Team, formerly called Cops for Cancer) will spin their wheels to support not only the ACF but now also the Kids with Cancer Society that provides vital services to children with cancer and their families.
"We will continue to do the work for treatment and care to help people deal with cancer," Leighton continued. "We really appreciate the support."
$30+ K in the boot
Although the final tally is far from coming in, Greg Harvey was pleased to report that more than $30,000 has already been donated to the second annual Muscular Dystrophy (MD) Rooftop Campout.
The event just ended yesterday as seven hardy firefighters braved an unseasonably balmy mid-February to draw attention to helping people with the incurable disorder that can affect a person's ability to walk, speak, and breathe.
"This week was fantastic for us," exclaimed Greg Harvey, one of the campers. "The people of St. Albert … their generosity is incredible."
Members of the public can follow the firefighters on Twitter at www.twitter.com/saffu2130 or by checking out their website at www.stalbertfirefighters.com.
You can donate to the campaign through www.muscle.ca/western-canada and finding 'Fire Fighter Campout.'
All funds raised will go towards improving the quality of life for people with neuromuscular disorders by purchasing mobility equipment, providing support services and funding research.
The silent auction goes until noon Feb. 29. People can check out the selection of items (including work boots, ski passes and jackets, and a barbecue for eight accompanied by actual firefighters) by visiting Fire Station No. 3 at 100 Giroux Road. Bids can be submitted via email to [email protected].
For more information, contact Jo-Ann Burton, the regional manager of Muscular Dystrophy Canada (Prairies and Northwest Territories division) at 780-489-6322 ext. 25, or by visiting www.muscle.ca/western-canada.
Provincial Volunteer Citizen awards deadline looming
There are less than three weeks left for nominations for the seventh annual Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award co-sponsored by Direct Energy and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA).
"We're looking forward to once again recognizing individuals who work hard to make our communities great places to live. We're very close to the municipalities that we serve," said AWNA president Ossie Sheddy, explaining why his organization participates in running the program. "Those are the stories that we like to report on."
The award consists of $1,000 to the winner plus a $5,000 grant to the winner's charity of choice. Four semi-finalists will also each receive $1,000 grants for their charities.
Nominations will be accepted until Friday, March 16. The award is open to residents of communities served by AWNA member newspapers like St. Albert. Applicants can either self-nominate or be nominated by another individual or group.
No winner has yet to come from the St. Albert area or even Edmonton.
Rules and details can be found online at www.awna.com or www.directenergy.com/vcoy, or can be picked up at AWNA member newspaper offices including the St. Albert Gazette.
