June 13th, 2019
The Terry Fox Foundation has awarded Waterloo Region District School Board with a $1,000,000 milestone plaque.
Terry Fox milestone award presented to the Waterloo Region District School Board for raising $1 million.
For the past 28 years, rain or shine, our schools have organized many Terry Fox School Run events, shown their dedication and generosity, and vowed to help put an end to cancer.
The plaque is just a small gesture to help recognize the outstanding fundraising efforts our schools have contributed throughout the years.
From decorating school hallways, making t-shirts and running assemblies, to creating thought-provoking visual displays of information along the school’s run/walk route, our students, staff, and volunteers go above and beyond to make each event a memorable experience.
Our school communities have donated $1,496,802.73 to The Terry Fox Foundation to date in their fight against cancer. This year alone, 102 schools participated by raising a generous $147,601.10.
Topping the list of schools in funds raised to date are Conestogo Public School with more than $67,057.17 (22 runs), followed by Breslau Public School with more than $53,100 through 19 runs.
A Mary Johnston PS student is running for kids: past, present and future children who are diagnosed with cancer.
Hitting this milestone would not be possible without the contributions of our students, staff, families and community members.
“This milestone is truly symbolic of the giving spirit of Terry Fox, our students, and the WRDSB community,” said Director of Education John Bryant. “We are proud of the ongoing commitment made by so many of our dedicated staff and students.”
The money raised by these events goes to a variety of different cancer research streams which have contributed to identifying lung cancer early, laying the groundwork for personalized cancer treatment, unravelling the genetics of childhood brain cancer, and rare tumour research leading to diagnostic changes for patients. Through their donations to the Terry Fox Foundation, our school communities are contributing to advancements in cancer research.
As one student from Elizabeth Ziegler Public School reflected, “We want people to be healthy. We are walking for a cure.”