Students and staff at schools across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows put on Terry Fox Runs and fundraising campaigns to raise money for cancer research this fall.
At least 18 schools in the district held their runs during the months of September and October, raising more than $30,400 and surpassing last year’s total.
“The Terry Fox Run is an important school event that emphasizes the importance of community and contribution,” said Gary Lozinski, principal of Yennadon Elementary.
“It highlights the importance of positivity and the power to impact change in our world. We know there are families in our community that have been impacted by cancer… supporting cancer research is a way to stand alongside them.”
Yennadon Elementary raised nearly $6,400 – the highest amount of the 18 schools. Students ran through the community, with teachers and Grade 7 students serving as spotters along the route that looped back to the school.
“I am incredibly proud to be a part of our Yennadon school community,” Lozinski said. “The funds raised by our school’s families, students and staff highlight the impact we can make when we come together.”
Ridge Meadows RCMP also joined in on the fun during the run by bringing along two officers in shark costumes.
“The fact that the sharks and an officer in full gear ran with the students was the talk of the day for students,” said Lozinski. “Students loved the creativity and enthusiasm they brought to the event.”
RCMP also joined students at Kanaka Creek Elementary as they ran through Kanaka Regional Park and surrounding neighbourhoods. One Kanaka teacher donated her hair to support cancer patients after reaching her fundraising goal of $1,200.
c̓əsqənelə Elementary, in the meantime, held a fundraising campaign that brought in about $4,700. Students who raised more than $50 were entered into a random draw to pie a staff member in the face.
Other schools also collected Toonies for Terry, and the fundraising isn’t over yet. Some schools will be holding their runs in April.
“Contributing positively to a cause that is bigger than themselves is an important lesson for our students to experience,” said Lozinski. “Together, we can beat cancer.”
