June 18 was a lucky day for seven Ecole RW Bobby Bend School students. Cheers echoed through the school’s hallways as shiny new bicycles were presented to the annual Hike or Bike event winners. It was the moment the 432 eager students had been waiting for since they started their healthy initiative of hiking or biking to school.
In 2011, former Parent Advisory Council (PAC) member Rhena Harold brought the exciting Hike or Bike event to Ecole RW Bobby Bend School. Students are encouraged to hike or bike to school every Tuesday from April to June. Those students who do, receive a ballot for a weekly draw of an ice cream cone from The Kiln or one of the seven brand-new bicycles drawn the week before school is finished for the summer. Those unable to walk or bike to school have the option of walking laps indoors or outdoors.
Thanks to generous sponsors, seven students received brand-new bicycles and accessories like locks and bells.
Kindergarten student Anna Schoeffman, Grade 1 student Claire Smith, Grade 2 students Adelin Dacombe and Paisley Wilson, Grade 3 student Owen Cox, and Grade 4 students Hillary Grzenda and Jaelyn Brooks were thrilled to be the lucky winners of this year’s dr
Sponsor support makes this heartwarming initiative possible. The Stonewall Lions, Eco-Metallic Industries, the Stonewall Rockwood Fire Department, CIBC, Interlake Salvage, and Ecole RW Bobby Bend School donated bicycles. TD Bank donated $250 to purchase ice cream cone certificates from The Kiln.
The community coming together to promote health and wellness among children is truly commendable. Riding a bike isn’t just great exercise; it also helps improve strength, balance, and coordination – important skills for growing kids.
Tribune Photos by Amanda Clarke
The Parent Advisory Council president, Amanda Clarke, expressed her gratitude for the generous support from community sponsors.
“Thank you to our amazing community businesses for donating bikes to support Hike or Bike at Ecole RW Bobby Bend School and to the staff and PAC members at the school for being involved and helping encourage kids to be healthy by hiking or biking to school, not just Tuesdays, but every day.”
Harold, who initiated this program 13 years ago, expressed her joy at seeing it thrive year after year.
“It was so much fun over the years,” she said. I even contacted Olympian Clara Hughes one year, who sent a personal message to the students.” Harold was moved by the little walk down memory lane as her oldest son graduated from high school on June 25.
The impact of programs like Hike or Bike extends beyond just physical activity – they create lasting memories and promote well-being within the school community.
