Statistically speaking, an estimated 2 in 5 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
So, the chances that cancer will touch your life or that of someone you know, are frighteningly high.
In Major Pratt, a beloved teacher has fought cancer – along with her son who is a Major Pratt graduate.
Eight years ago, the Major Pratt Trojans decided they’d host a hockey game every year to raise money to help the Expanding Community Cancer Care program in Russell.
It didn’t take long to get the Roblin Raiders on board and the fundraising game has been held every year but one when Covid restrictions forced a halt to gatherings.
Over the years, there’s been a lot of pink pucks, T-shirts and jerseys sold.
Players have been sponsored and an awful lot of prizes have been generously donated by area businesses.
That’s because the Cancer Care Unit here is so vitally important to the 13 communities it serves across the area, allowing for chemotherapy patients to receive treatments so much closer to home – saving countless hours and dollars along the way.
And the students and staff of Major Pratt know that.
In year one, the team fundraised over $11,000 to go towards the purchase of chemo chairs for the cancer care unit.
In year two, over $16,000 was raised to go towards the reno/expansion at the hospital cancer care unit.
In year three, $21,000 was raised to also go toward the reno/expansion at the hospital cancer care unit.
Year four the team raised $15,000 while the fifth annual game raised $14,000.
Over the years, players went out and asked for pledges from local people as well as our local businesses.
The Kindergarten to Grade 8 classes also collected pledges to assist with the cause to help the high school boys hockey team.
Over the past 8 years the team has raised over $113,500 – not including this year – all going to the local cancer care unit in Russell.
Five years ago, Major Pratt’s Grade K-8 students got on board too. Of the $113,000 they’ve raised before last week’s game, $33,000 has come to the Stick It To Cancer cause because of their fundraising efforts.
“The whole community united to raise this money,” Major Pratt’s Principal Tammy McCullough told the crowd during the opening ceremonies.
“It is amazing what a few students can do to help so many people that are in need of care.”
As of press time, the money was still being counted and without all the expenses in yet, a full tally was not yet available.
By: Terrie Welwood