With temperatures reaching the high 20s on a beautiful spring day, the weather was perfect May 24 for the first ever Cards Crush Cancer fundraising event.
Much of the student body was out on the school's sports field, taking part in a variety of fun outdoor activities in support of the Northern Cancer Foundation.
Organizers hoped to raise at least $10,000 for local cancer care and research. Students were invited to buy their way out of class by purchasing a $20 t-shirt or a $10 wristband.
Activities included bubble soccer, a water balloon fight, Zumba and music performances by students. Several students planned to cut their hair to be made into wigs for cancer patients.
There were also three food vendors on site who donated a portion of proceeds to the Northern Cancer Foundation.
“Cancer touches everybody,” said Grade 9 student Jordan Faught, who helped to organize the event.
“Everybody somehow has been involved with cancer through family and friends. It's great to be outside and support something like this.”
St. Charles teacher Jessica Demore, a staff advisor to the school's student council, which planned the event, said such community involvement is “super-super rewarding for them and for us as teachers.
“It's just nice to see the kids get involved,” she said.
Northern Cancer Foundation executive director Tannys Laughren said beyond the money being raised, which is much-needed, these kinds of events make cancer patients feel that someone's in their corner.
“It's about giving our patients hope,” she said.
Cards Crush Cancer took place a few days before the Cancer Centre Walk/Run/Bike for Hope, which also raises funds for the Northern Cancer Foundation.
That event takes place Sunday, May 27 at Kivi Park. Visit ncfsudbury.com for more information.
