Students at Ponoka Elementary School (PES) raised over $10,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.
The school held a special announcement and run Sept. 21 with everyone at an assembly at the big reveal. For decades PES’s Terry Fox Run has been raising money, awareness and excitement for Terry Fox and his cross country run that has inspired millions.
The fundraiser at PES has almost become its own institution with teachers supporting the students as they raise as much money as possible. Teachers on the Terry Fox committee, Paula Wilkins, Cathy Shewchuck and Leanne Stebner, were excited to be able to see such a large amount raised.
There was a slight change in this year’s run, which was held in conjunction with Orange Shirt Day, explained Wilkins. However, in an effort to respect the purpose of Orange Shirt Day, PES decided to hold it on its own.
“We didn’t feel that we were doing either cause justice,” said Wilkins.
“We’ve been doing this for many years,” said Stebner. “I remember taking my own kids through before I even started working.”
She was in high school and remembers when Terry Fox ran across the country. It’s something that was a big inspiration in her life.
“If we work together we can achieve something and make his dream come true,” said Stebner.
Shewchuck feels that most people have been affected by cancer either personally or with someone that they know and raising money is a way to focus that energy.
“They (students) find it a realistic goal,” added Wilkins.
To celebrate the accomplishment, teacher Tracy Underhill had her hair dyed and vice-principal Jay Cottell dyed his beard.
Other teachers on the committee are Courtney Harvey and Tracy Underhill.
