Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows schools raise tens of thousands during Terry Fox Runs

Whether it was throwing a pie in a teacher’s face or participating in a school run, students in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows found different ways to raise money for cancer research.

At least 18 schools in the district put on their Terry Fox Runs during the months of September and October, raising more than $25,000.

“We hope that the kids take away the understanding of what Terry did,” said Chad Raible, principal of Kanaka Creek Elementary. “The fact that he gave to something that was more than himself.”

Kanaka Creek Elementary held its run through their neighbourhood, with help from staff and RCMP. Six hundred students from grades 1 to 7 ran out from the gym doors, through the school yard, across the street, around the Kanaka Creek Regional Park, and back.

It was important to participate, according to Grade 2 and 3 students Ella and Will.

“Because Terry Fox ran with one leg to raise money for cancer research,” Ella explained.

“Because we want to finish what Terry Fox started,” Will added.

Meanwhile, students at c̓əsqənelə Elementary heard from a school ambassador with the Terry Fox Foundation before their run.

The ambassador, Kayje Nogue, explained who Terry was and why he ran the Marathon of Hope.

“Terry Fox set goals for himself and I want the kids to set goals for themselves,” said Nogue. “He trained 14 months before he started his Marathon of Hope. He knew to take his time and to start small. I want kids to think about that.”

Terry’s story shows the power of “yet,” which is an important lesson at c̓əsqənelə Elementary, according to Wes Reamsbottom, the school’s principal.

“[It] means if you can’t do something yet, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to do it eventually,” he explained. “Terry Fox was kind of an inspiration for yet. You know, he took it one step at a time.”

c̓əsqənelə Elemetary raised more than $5,000 for the foundation. Students who raised more than $50 had their names entered in a draw to pie a staff member in the face.

“Kids really like to put pies in the faces of their teachers, vice-principals and principals,” Reamsbottom said, laughing. “But it was just an incentive… to honour the people that worked really hard to raise money for cancer research.”