École Riverside School was a proud participant in this year's Terry Fox Run to help raise money for the continual research surrounding cancer care and treatment.
In order to include as many students as possible, Angela Bishop and Martin Vermette (the run organizers) assembled the entire school - 357 students and 35 teachers - in the parking lot at 2:45 on Sept. 22 and then sent a group of runners down River Road and the rest of the school walking around Riverside and Thompson Drive.
It was great to see all the students excited and happy to participate in something that will make a difference in the lives of many. The students were encouraged to bring at least two dollars to their homeroom teacher to support the cause, as well as to take home pledge sheets to fundraise more. The school raised over $1600, one thousand of those dollars came from the grade 5-6 split class whose goal was to raise one hundred dollars per student. Hannah Murdy and Mikaila Meehan were among the top fundraisers and were very excited to participate and share their thoughts about the Marathon of Hope.
"I was very proud to fundraise for the Terry Fox Foundation," said Murdy. "I loved seeing my whole school walking and running and learning about this amazing Canadian! Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, on July 28, 1958. He ran 5,565 kilometres in 143 days. In 1980, Terry Fox said, 'I want to set an example that will never be forgotten.' I am sure he was happy knowing thirty years later we have not forgotten. My favourite quote by Terry Fox is, 'I believe in miracles ... I have to.' Terry Fox is a true Canadian hero."
"The reason why I had fun on the walk was because we got to go with our reading buddies and socialize, because after we got to play in the park," said Meehan. "It meant a lot to me because I was supporting Terry Fox and I was doing something good for cancer. They are using the money for cancer and to help find a solution to stop cancer. I learned that on the morning of April 12, 1980, Terry brought two empty jars to Newfoundland shore and filled them up, one to pour into the Pacific Ocean and the other to keep as a souvenir. Unfortunately one of them was washed away when Terry didn't make it, but his parents kept his jar and still have it today."
Throughout the month of September, many teachers at École Riverside School do their best to remind the kids of the efforts Terry made and the struggles he lived through in order begin his Marathon of Hope, his run across Canada. As a school, we are all proud to help carry out his dream, continue to try to fill his shoes, and be among the many who have helped to raise over 500 million dollars in his name.
