Anthony Veltri knew there was something special about Scott Creek Middle School in Coquitlam when he arrived last September as its new vice-principal.
In the nine months since, he’s stood back and marvelled as students seized the initiative and organized dozens of fundraising events, from bottle drives to bake and freezie sales to a massive school dance.
All the money goes to the annual Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast bike ride that takes place from Sept. 13–20.
Scott Creek Middle and the Tour de Coast have had a symbiotic relationship for 20 years.
Three of its students have attended Camp Goodtimes that offers a respite for kids going through cancer treatment. And over the years the school has consistently been a top fundraiser for the ride of emergency services personnel like police, paramedics and border security agents who collect pledges to support the camp as well as childhood cancer research efforts.
In 2023, Scott Creek students raised $17,000 and their goal for this year is $20,000, said Veltri.
So it was with great pride he watched the entire student body gather in the school’s expansive gym Wednesday morning to give a rousing welcome to riders and supporters from the Tour de Coast and its companion ride, the Tour de Valley.
Matthew Campbell, of the Canadian Cancer Society, said with the rides celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, it was only fitting their official launch be held at Scott Creek, which is a regular pitstop for the Tour de Coast peloton during its 800 km route around Metro Vancouver and up the Sunshine Coast.
“Their enthusiasm is infectious,” he said, adding the thunderous cheers will energize the riders as they kick their training into high gear to prepare for their fall challenge.
Over the next few months, the 30 first responders who comprise the Tour de Coast peloton will log hundreds of kilometres on their sleek carbon fibre and aluminum road bikes, individually and on four group training sessions escorted by motorcycle police to guide them through intersections and keep them safe.
To participate, each rider must commit to raising thousands of dollars on their own which means their time off the bike is often occupied by organizing their own events like burger and beer nights, car washes and even head shavings.
Campbell said seeing what the kids can accomplish is a motivator for the riders.
“It gives them a good feeling in the heart,” he said.
Veltri said that individual initiative is key to Scott Creek’s embrace of the Tour de Coast as they learn valuable life lessons like empathy, how to give back to the community and the importance of contributing to the greater good.
“It’s truly a school community,” he said. “They believe in the cause.”
You can learn more about the Tour de Coast and its riders here.
