ATCSMC’s Saleem Siddiqui fundraising & cycling 300 km to fight kids’ cancer.

There are fundraising enthusiasts and there are cycling enthusiasts. Then, there’s Saleem Siddiqui: a strikingly large combination of both.

Saleem has worked with SanMar Canada for nearly 25 years and this year, Saleem pledged to ride 300 kilometres in the Great Cycle Challenge to help raise money for the Hospital for Sick Children and specifically help support the fight against kids’ cancer, a cause and hospital he’s very passionate about.

“My kid had health issues for nearly 8 years,” Saleem says. “We’ve been to SickKids hospital many times and when you’re there, you see children fighting back, and one feels an overwhelming desire to help in whatever way possible. Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.”

“We’ve donated to the hospital for years, but I came across this Great Cycle Challenge and saw that I could raise much more when you involve other people and be active. My kid’s an adult now, but the memories of the hospital helping us keeps spurring me towards giving back.”

On August 1^st Saleem started the challenge, in which riders try to ride 300 km over the month while raising as much money as they’re able to. Saleem strived for initial fundraising goal of $500 which was quickly met, and a new goal of $1,000 was subsequently set afterwards.

As of August 11, he has cycled 90 kms and has raised $2,750.

His new goal of $1,000 was then doubled when he reached out to SanMar Canada to match the current total. A request that was quickly approved by the company that Saleem has worked with for a near quarter-century.

“It means everything. It means they care,” Saleem said.

“Hats off to SanMar Canada for not only helping me, but in also helping the community and helping people who are in need. It’s amazing that the company continues to kick back and help within the various communities in the company, and that’s important.”

The bug for biking bit Saleem just before the pandemic hit, and he’s been wheeling ever since. Preferring trails over roads, he’s been doing nearly 500 kms a year for the past 4 years. Now, he’s cruising down hills and bringing in donations in a combination of two of his biggest passions.

“It’s a privilege. It’s a privilege for me and everyone and it’s amazing to see how generous people can be to these great causes and to give back to the hospital.”

“It’s a privilege just to be able to raise a little bit of money.”

Saleem still has 200 kms to go in the journey, but it’s a challenge he says he can’t wait to conquer.

Do you have a fundraising passion like Saleem? Whether its something small or something big, SanMar Canada will always listen to ways to help in our community. Please reach out to the Opportuni-Tee Team, the marketing team, or your local manager to see what we can do for you!