To understand someone else, it helps to walk a mile in their shoes.
Or, in the case of the Cops for Cancer tour participants, ride a mile (or two) on a bike.
Last week, Cloverdale Christian School held a Spin-a-thon called Saddle Up in support of Cops for Cancer.
On Oct. 2 students rode bikes in the school from 12:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. Family members, alumni and community members were invited to sign up to ride from 5 to 8 p.m. later that day.
Every student in the school was involved in riding a bike in the gym for the cause. They were also given the chance to dedicate their ride to someone they know who has been impacted by cancer.
They were emulating their heroes – the members of law enforcement and emergency responders who cycle hundreds of kilometres each year in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Proceeds from Cops for Cancer campaign on behalf of the society go towards research for childhood cancer, along with programs such as Camp Goodtimes.
It’s not the first time the school has pulled together – and reached out – in supporting the Cops for Cancer cause.
Last year, 23 students, school principal Jon Mayan, and several family members shaved their heads as part of a fundraising campaign that brought in more than $7,500 in donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.
For the past 14 months, the school’s connection to the cause has taken on greater significance, says Mayan.
“Two of our students have been battling cancer over this last year,” he said. “The reality is children with cancer is something that has been on our entire school community’s heart.”
The school’s support of Cops for Cancer is a way to show support, in turn, for those students and families, he said.
The 2012 Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley wrapped up a nine-day, 900-km journey Oct. 5, after stopping at Cloverdale Christian School and Latimer Road Elementary.
Cloverdale Christian School also hosted the tour’s closing ceremonies.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer has raised $27 million since 1997.