Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School (PF) is set to host its seventh annual Relay for Life event next month.
Students and staff have spent months planning the 12-hour June 7 event that begins with a survivor’s breakfast at 9 a.m.
"It's a way to get together to support those who have been effected by cancer," explains teacher Marlee Morris. "We will be raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society for cancer research."
Over the past six years, PF students and staff have raised close to $100,000 through the "meaningful" fundraiser.
"We have students and staff here who have been affected by cancer," Morris explained. "We all feel like this is something that we want to do as a PF tradition."
There are around 25 students from all four grades and several teachers on the PF Relay for Life committee.
"They work together, they learn, they organize and spread the message to the other students," Morris said. "I think that it's really powerful when students see events like this being organized by their peers."
This year, PF is hoping to raise $20,000 through the fundraiser. Community members are invited to attend, sponsor, and donate to the event.
Sarah Blueman, a Grade 11 student, joined the Relay for Life committee last year.
"This is a good way to get involved in the community," she said. "It has a good message and allows students to work together for a good cause."
Blueman knows some of her teachers and fellow classmates have been touched by cancer. She also has family members who have been impacted by the disease.
"I feel really good about being a part of this event," she said. "The awareness and money that we raise really helps those families and people going through cancer treatments."
Blueman hopes to see everyone from the community at Relay for Life next month.
"It's a nice way to help people," she said. "It's a good way to have fun with your friends and it's an event you will remember for a long time."
Jyllian Jenkins, a Grade 11 student, joined the Relay for Life committee this year.
"It was a great event last year," she said. "I wanted to help to ensure that it would be a great event this year as well."
Jenkins says being a part of the committee has taught her to better communicate with others.
"There is a lot of planning that goes into the event," she said.
Through being on the committee, Jenkins has enjoyed spending time with schoolmates that she doesn't hang out with daily.
"Especially in other grades," she said. "I've learned that other people have similar interests to me."
Jenkins says it's important for youth to take charge on raising money and awareness for cancer.
"It affects so many people around the world and especially in Canada," she said. "It's affected my family and friends as well."
While Relay for Life can be a sombre event at times, Jenkins says it's also a lot of fun.
"There are a lot of great activities," she said. "It makes people feel great about themselves to support the cancer survivors and raise money for the cause."
To register for the event, click here.
