The 26th annual Trojan Parade for Cancer set a fundraising record by raising $30,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
In the 25 years leading up to this year’s event, students and teachers from West Ferris intermediate and secondary school have raised over a quarter of a million dollars to assist with cancer research and support services.
On Wednesday, roughly 500 students continued the long-standing tradition of walking from the West Ferris school to the waterfront where they gathered for the cheque presentation and an afternoon of celebration.
Gil Pharand, Senior Manger for the North Bay Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society was one of many guest speakers who thanked the students for their fundraising efforts in what he called a “great show of community and school spirit.”
“The money goes towards research and support services but mostly research. Research happens across this country and has a direct impact on our community,” said Pharand.
He says research has been making a difference in survival rates for cancer patients.
“One of the things we like to talk about now is how life is bigger than cancer. Yes, you can have a cancer diagnosis, but a lot of cancers right now have a cure. A lot have very good treatments, some need work but that is why we’re doing this.”
Kalem Boucher raised the most amount of money at the secondary level, collecting $500.00.
The grade 12 student has been a part of the walk for the past four years.
“It feels good to get everybody out here and support a cause that people are in need of. I think it is awesome that our school actually comes out here and does this. It is a great thing and I really support it. I’m happy to see it grow,” said Boucher.
Grade 8 student Brooklyn Ashford is the top fundraiser at the intermediate level.
“I raised about $600.00. I went door-to-door with my friends in both of our neighbourhoods and collected money.”
Parade committee lead and West Ferris teacher Ron Bascombe couldn’t be prouder of the students and teachers who worked so hard to make history happen.
“Our goal was $20,000, so we beat it. It’s not just the canvassing. I’ve got a little thank you wall, and there has got to be at least 35 names of companies here in North Bay that helped. Everybody we contacted whether it be corporate, or retail donated. Everybody gives something because this is a tradition,” said Bascombe.
“This has been going on for a long time and we hope to continue it and make it better every year. It takes a team effort. We had an assembly for the kids and had the cancer society talk to the kids about why they’re doing this. There’s not much we can do other than raise money in support of what the cancer society is doing in terms research and education. We’re proud of what everyone has done.”
