Grade 4/5 Students Raise More Than $1500 For Cancer Walk

Written by admin on 09 May 2012

**VIsit again tonight (Wednesday, May 9th) as the video interview with the Grade 4/5 students is currently uploading.

15 students from the Grade 4/5 class at Our Lady of Lourdes who are pariticipating in the Share the Care Walk.Left to right (back row) Thiago Aguiar , Jeremy Gervais, Julia Gervais, Hunter Courtemanche, Alana Zawadski, Jeff Baril, Mme. Lise Foucault-Clark (Front row) Nancy Poulin, Adam Jackson, Jaden Bourgeois, Wayne Allen, Jaden Roberts, Felicity Oliveira Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com

MANITOUWADGE, ON – Grade 4/5 teacher Lise Foucault-Clark says there was no hesitation from her students when she suggested to them that they could participate as a group in this Satuday’s Share the Care Walk fundraiser for the Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group. The class of 9-11 year olds had recently read the book ‘Kindness is Cooler Mrs. Ruler’ by Margery Cuyler and say it was part of what prompted their participation.

This will be the 5th year that the Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group holds the 5km Share the Care walk for which people can either collect pledges in advance or make a donation at the event where a barbecue lunch is also sold as part of the fundraising. The Share the Care walk is more important than ever this year as the cancer assistance group had announced several months ago that their bi-annual golf tournament, would not be held in 2012 due to volunteer time constraints and concerns that the community, affected like most by a difficult economic situation, could not support 2 major fundraisers in one season. There is no doubt that the $1589 the Grade 4/5 students had raised as of May 8th, would be a significant contribution to the fundraiser and MCAG President Anne Williams, who went to the class to personally thank the students, was deeply moved by their efforts “They may be young but it is clear they understand why this fundraising is important and that many of them have been touched with family or friends who have fought cancer” said Williams. Mrs. Williams said the students had many questions for her when she visited the class and that she was impressed with their level of interest. One student asked if any of those whom the Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group helped over the years had won their battle against cancer “It was one of the questions that touched me the most” said Williams “I was glad to be able to tell them that many of those who we provide assistance for are successful in their fight against cancer.” Successful no doubt in part thanks to the treatment or care which they are able to access thanks to the funding provided by the Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group.

The Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group was formed in April, 2007 by a group of individuals whose lives had been touched by cancer, the executive meets monthly at the Manitouwadge General Hospital to discuss fundraising, review assistance requests and bring forward new ideas. A Constitution and By-Laws, guide their decision making.

Through fundraising and donations the MCAG assists local cancer patients with expenses such as prosthesis, prescription medications (when not covered by drug plans), oxygen, travel and accommodations while attending appointments or treatments. Since 2007, thanks to the generosity of the community, the MCAG has raised over $100,000.00 which has allowed them to fulfil 183 requests for assistance (March 2012).

If you would like to join the 15 students from Mme. Foucault-Clark’s Grade 4/5 class at the Annual Share the Care Walk and barbecue it is being held at the Manitouwadge Recreation Centre, this Saturday from 11am to 1pm.

**NOTE TO PARTICIPANTS OF THE MFHT’s AMAZING WALK CHALLENGE:

The Share the Care Walk & BBQ is also one of the required pit stops in your challenge, be sure at least one member of your team attends and brings your passport!

WHAT: Share The Care Walk

WHEN: Saturday, May 12th from 11am – 1pm.
WHY: Come join us for our BBQ and Walk.
(Pledge sheets no longer required, donations can be made on site)

WHERE: Meet at the Recreation Centre parking lot for a walk to Geco Bridge (or shorter if you wish).