Manor School's annual Terry Fox Run went on without a hitch-and with a twist.
This year, the 86-strong student body and school staff were divided into four teams-the Chargers, the Crushers, the Warriors, and the Blazers-and were offered an unusual incentive for reaching a fundraising goal.
"Each team was made up of both students and members of our staff," said principal Todd Butler. "If they got $1,250 in pledges, they were allowed to dress the staff members on their team any way they liked. The only stipulations were that the students weren't allowed to change the staff members' footwear or do anything permanent, like use hair dye."
This year, the Blazers and the Warriors reached that goal, but the entire school bundled up, braved the cold, and ran, walked and, rollerbladed in aid of cancer research and treatment.
"The Terry Fox Run has been a longstanding tradition here at the school, with both students and staff participating," says Butler. "It's been a pretty successful fundraiser and that continued this year. We've had a lot of support from the community in the past and that support has continued this year."
Since the run began in 2005, Manor School has raised a grand total of $42,092.55, which includes this year's total of $4,531.75.
Manor mom and resident Jodi Onufreychuk says, "It's amazing how committed the staff and students are at Manor School when it comes to planning and organizing the Terry Fox Run. Students put in huge efforts going door-to-door, collecting for the event and can come way feeling proud of their contribution towards finding a cure for this horrible disease."
"Teachers are actively involved in pumping up the day with encouragement and enthusiasm and they often set rewards for certain levels of money raised."
"In the end, it's a fun day that brings the staff, students, and community together for a day of giving and honouring not only Terry Fox, but the lives of all those who have lost their battle as well as those who are fighting this disease," adds Jodi Onufreychuk.
"Manor School is a small school that has proven year after year that it can do big things."
Blazer team member and grade nine student, Presley Onufreychuk, says, "Everybody gets involved. Lots of people support it with donations. It's a good thing for the school to do. It's a good time and a good cause."
