This year Relay for Life kicks off on June 11 at the Drumheller and District Stampede and Ag Society, and among the walkers will be a dedicated troupe of Greentree Warriors.
    This is the fourth annual Relay For Life in Drumheller, and the organizers are aiming to break the $1 million mark. They will be helped along by a new team of students willing to take on the course.
    There are seven students from Mrs. Gerodo’s Grade 4A Phys-ed class that make up the Greentree Warriors. They are Megan Charmont, Olivia Candy, Adam Van Holland, Gianna Lal, Evan Gallagher, Brandon Lang and Tony Ponto. The team has already been busy in hopes to meet their fundraising goal.
    “We’re small but mighty,” said Gerodo.
 She explains she wants to have every class participate in a charitable event during their time at Greentree School.  Participation in the Terry Fox Run, Jump Rope for Heart, Hoops for Heart and MS Milk and Cookie Day are all annual events for students.
    “We want kids to be active charitable citizens,” said Gerodo. “The kids feel empowered and that they can make a difference.”
    “Along with participating, they are learning about cancer, its effect on people and families,” said Gerodo. “All of us could name someone affected by cancer. The children are aware of the needs of others, and the struggles they face. This is our way of supporting research.”
    To meet that end point, the students have been actively fundraising. On one occasion they were allowing students to get their picture taken with an official Olympic Torch supplied by torch bearer Rav Lal, for a donation. They also held a bottle drive and a skateboard raffle. Last weekend they hosted a garage sale at Oasis Car Wash, and the ownership of the business also donated the funds from car washes during the event to the Relay Team.
    They continue to fund raise, and for more information or to donate to the team, people can contact Gerodo at 403-823-5244.
    The Greentree Warriors will be on the track from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday June 11.
    “This moment will be priceless,” said Gerodo. They will be able to say they were part of Relay For Life.”