The second annual Ride of the Mustang exceeded last year’s total for the Oncology Unit for the Alberta Children’s Hospital, bringing in a new record total of $72,000.
The Ride of the Mustang was started by students last year after one of their own was diagnosed with cancer. Participants hoped to raise $10,000 at the inaugural event but brought in a total of $51,000.
This year, more than 600 students participated by riding stationary bicycles for 48 hours in the gymnasium.
“This year exceeded our expectations by about $12,000, so we are excited,” said student organizer Amie Nelson. “I am so proud to be a part of this school.”
Lauren Wagner, an associate with the community initiatives department of the Alberta Children’s Hospital, was on hand to accept the cheque.
“It’s completely overwhelming. I can’t put into works how important and amazing this is for the kids at the hospital,” said Wagner. “Just to see kids wanting to help other kids, it’s something I wouldn’t have done in high school.”
The Oncology Unit at the hospital is currently researching better treatments and cures for various cancers that affect children.
“Eighty per cent of kids with cancer now survive, but 60 per cent fight life-threatening illness afterwards, and we can do better for our kids,” said Wagner.
“I am impressed with how many people came together and all fight for the same thing,” said Nelson. “There is a unity in this school that we will never be able to replicate anywhere.”
