September is a special time for schools across Canada as they honour a true hero.
On Thursday, September 29, students in the valley, along with youngsters from across Canada will be participating it the Terry Fox School Run. In April of 1980, Terry Fox dipped his right leg in the Atlantic Ocean near St. John’s, Newfoundland. On that day, he started more than his personal Marathon of Hope, but a flame that has been carried since then by Canadians taking up his run to support cancer research.
St. Anthony’s School has participated in the run for 12 years and in that time, has raised over $100,000. It is one of the top 50 fundraising schools in Alberta.
“The Terry Fox School Run is one of the greatest things our school does as an entire school body. We have students, staff, members of our community, and we do it all together, whether they are running, walking or biking,” said St. Anthony’s athletic director Gavin Makse. “As long as you are just participating in it, it is what Terry’s legacy is for all us.”
“It is like everyone has been touched by cancer in some shape or form so it is great to continue on in the tradition of running the Terry Fox Run.”
At St. Anthony’s, the school will gather for an assembly at 10 a.m., and then head out on a 3 kilometre loop in the community of Midland. They will finish up with lunch for the students.
Leading up to the run, students will be collecting pledges to support the run.
DVSS is also a long time supporter of The Terry Fox Foundation, and will be participating in the school run. Leading up to the run, they have found some unique and fun ways to raise funds.
From September 14-29, they are having an annoying song fundraiser. They will simply find a song that grates on the ears, and put it on repeat in the lunchroom. Students who want it to stop, can donate to turn the music off.
On the first day, they exceeded their goal and raised over $35.
On Friday, September 16, they will be selling Hawaiian shaved ice at the concession to raise funds.
On Thursday, September 22, they are reviving their cake auction for another year, a great fundraiser.
The school has also set up an online team page where supporters can make a secure online donation. To donate, go to www.terryfox.ca/DVSS.
