$52K raised by Edmonton high schoolers cycling for mental health non-profit

McNally High School students at the 2026 CASA Mental Health Bikeathon on April 17, 2026. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)

Groups of dedicated high school students in east-central Edmonton gathered in the gym Friday afternoon to pedal for a good cause.

McNally High School has run the CASA Mental Health Bikeathon since 2023 to raise money for the non-profit namesake, which provides mental health treatment for Albertans ages three to 18 and their families. Twelve teams of students began pedaling at 10 a.m. and will keep cycling until 10 p.m.

Sarah Dittrich, CASA’s manager of philanthropy and donor engagement, said it’s currently the only bikeathon that supports the organization.

The students have smashed through their $30,000 goal this year, raising $52,000 and counting as of Friday.

“They’re amazing … I know there’s still a lot of stigma against mental health, but when you see the community come together like this, you see these young kids who are truly our future,” Dittrich said.

Participating students said the fundraiser was an opportunity to spread awareness.

“It really shows everyone how much teenagers truly do care about causes if you give them the opportunity to,” said Grade 12 student Reet Bali. “CASA is one of the only spaces in Canada that’s a middle space for teenagers.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Galen McDougall