CanKids KidsScan’s ‘Cycle for Gold’ campaign raises ₹3.1 crore for pediatric cancer patients

One of India’s largest charity cycling challenges, CanKids KidsCan’s “Cycle for Gold” initiative raised ₹3.1 crore for pediatric cancer patients. 2,236 cyclists participated in the event, organized under the guidance of CanKids KidsScan, a national NGO working to bring about change in the pediatric cancer sector in India, covering a distance of 1.2 lakh kilometers. In FY 2025–26, CanKids helped more than 42,000 children access treatment facilities. It also provided treatment and holistic care services to more than 26,000 children.

CanKids KidsScan’s “Cycle for Gold” initiative was held in more than 360 cities, and 466 women cyclists also participated. CanKids KidsCan currently supports pediatric cancer treatment services in 142 hospitals in 22 states and works tirelessly to ensure that no child suffers or dies from cancer due to lack of treatment, facilities or needed support.

“Get well. Give hope.” Based on this message, every kilometer became a “km to heal” in this initiative. Cyclists fueled the movement, while corporates, CSR partners, sponsors, donors and fundraisers widened the campaign’s impact. Organized across the country, ₹3.1 crore was raised through sponsorships, CSR support, individual donations, fundraising campaigns and community engagement.

Across India – A look at the numbers
• 2,236 cyclists in over 365 cities
• Cycle covered 1.2 million km
• Raised ₹3.1 crore
• 119 cycling groups including corporates, schools, communities and families of children who have overcome cancer participated.
• 466 women cyclists
• Eligible for age 7 to 77 only

In its five editions, the “Cycle for Gold” initiative has become one of India’s leading purposeful fundraising and awareness campaigns for childhood cancer, demonstrating how the sports community and citizen participation can directly contribute to treatment, holistic care and strengthening the health system across the country.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the fifth edition of the “Cycle for Gold” was the participation of various generations — from school children to senior citizens enthusiastically participated. Participants over 60 years of age collectively cycled more than 2,000 kilometers, while younger students also participated with equal enthusiasm and commitment.

Poonam Bagai, Founder President, CanKids KidsScan, said, “Cycle for Gold is no longer just a cycling challenge; it has become a national movement for childhood cancer. Every kilometer run creates awareness. Every fundraiser creates relief. Every sponsor and CSR partner provides hope to children battling cancer and their families. What makes Cycle For Gold truly special is the coming together of diverse communities across India, including Cyclists, corporates, schools, cancer survivors, donors, volunteers and citizens are all united by one belief: the goal that no child should suffer or die from cancer due to lack of treatment, care or support.”

Piyush Gupta, Chairman, Temasek India, former Group CEO of DBS Bank and Ambassador of Cankids said, “In the last 40 days, something extraordinary has happened across India. Cyclists, school children, corporates and various communities came together for children with cancer and completed 1.2 lakh kilometers of cycling. This is the power of social capital and collective philanthropy, which has shown that people coming together for a common cause can make an impact far greater than any individual effort. Cyclists have done the kilometres; now it’s our responsibility to convert those kilometers into healing.”