Students and staff at Bruderheim School enjoyed their Terry Fox School Run on September 20.
Sherwood Park, AB. — In the memory of Canadian icon Terry Fox and his inspirational dream, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students and staff are getting set and crossing finish lines for their 2024 Terry Fox School Runs, taking place throughout the last few weeks of September. EIPS schools will join close to 10,000 other schools and more than 3.5 million students across the country to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
On September 27, EIPS schools will not host Terry Fox School Runs as they are commemorating Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. September 30 is a Division closure day in honour of these observances.
Every year, students and staff take time out of their day to run, jog or walk a set distance for Fox’s goal. They also spend the month doing various fundraising activities as they learn about the values Fox displayed. “I know schools and their communities are so excited to honour the memory of Terry Fox with their annual runs,” says Cathy Allen, Board Chair of EIPS. “This year’s theme is No Matter What, which asks us all to persevere no matter the odds, no matter the distance and no matter the journey.”
EIPS schools have participated in the Terry Fox School Run since 1992. Over that time, students and staff have raised substantial money for The Terry Fox Foundation. Last year alone, EIPS schools raised more than $63,000 with the community’s help. All funds raised during this year’s event will go directly to the foundation to support Fox’s dream of a world without cancer.
“This tradition reminds us of our own strengths every year,” says Allen. “As a student, as a staff member and as a community member, we’re incredibly strong when we work together, and we can accomplish incredible feats—such as raising funds for an end to cancer.”
Founded in 1981, the Terry Fox School Run has evolved into one of the largest fundraising events in Canada. To date, the foundation has raised more than $900 million and funded 1,300 projects on behalf of Fox’s legacy. EIPS congratulates all staff, students, volunteers and community members supporting this year’s Terry Fox School Run.
Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,750 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.
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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902