Richard S. Fowler Catholic Junior High students pedalled for a good cause on Friday, May 12, raising over $40,000 for the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital through a fundraising event that included bottle drives and a bikeathon. The school was excited to host the event after it was delayed for three years by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s amazing. It’s just so different to experience that energy and vibe and just seeing kids being kids again,” said phys-ed and construction teacher Clint Ludtke.
Around 210 students in Grades 7, 8, and 9 participated. Working in teams of around eight, they raised money through bottle drives or through the reliable method of begging relatives.
Grade 9 student Jane Michael gave credit to the community for making the event a success.
“I did a bottle drive and lots of people in the community were willing to give us bottles to help for the fundraiser,” Michael said.
The atmosphere was joyful and laid back, as students played video games on Nintendo Switches, lay on plush cushions, posed for cute pictures, or casually scrolled on their phones with hip-hop music blasting in the background. Even the teachers jumped on bikes to participate.
The teams wore fun outfits like bright orange-and-yellow construction vests paired with white sunglasses. Others opted for a simpler look, sporting pink T-shirts and black shorts. Students won prizes like Freezies, Powerade, and Booster Juice gift cards.
“We raised $40,000 for mental health awareness," said Grade 8 student Greyson Pyesmany, a member of team Honda Lawn Mowers. "It's a problem that I don't think a lot of people really think about that much. I know a lot of people that have dyslexia and ADHD. I don't think people really understand how troubling it is for them.”
