It may seem they’re just going in circles, but when Esquimalt High students ride ’round and ’round their school’s track May 13, they will in fact have a goal.”We hope to raise $5,000 this year,” said Grade 12 student Jamie Speirs.That money will go to the Victoria Women’s Transition House. Cycle for Change gets students to ride their bikes around the school’s running track for a marathon 12 hours, to raise money for the non-profit. Last year, the students raised $3,000.”It’s a fun event – we get most of the school out,” said Kate Adams, another grad student.Between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., about 20 students will take to the track with their bikes, riding in circles all day. There’s a barbecue during school hours and some teachers even bring their classes outside to watch the action while learning (the band class’ presence last year was a welcome bonus to the bikers).At 6 p.m., the barbecue is lighted and a bake sale gets underway. The students hope people will stop by to buy a bite to eat and watch the action on the track.”It can raise such good school spirit,” Adams said. “We hope it can raise some community spirit, too.”Adams and Speirs are part of Esquimalt High’s Youth Combatting Intolerance club. Donating to the Victoria Women’s Transition House fits perfectly with the club’s model, Speirs said.”We want everyone to come out and check us out,” she said.Donations can be made at the barbecue or online at www.canadahelps.org/gp/11954.ecardone@vicnews.com

Victoria News