Students at Reynolds Secondary were recognized Tuesday night for their Cops for Cancer fundraising efforts during the sold-out National Philanthropy Day Awards event at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Reynolds’ organizing committee received the Youth in Philanthropy Award, presented by Telus, for its work in raising $658,000 to fight pediatric cancer and send sick children to Camp Good Times, a supervised summer camp for cancer patients. For the past 10 years, students have put together a two-week campaign to raise money for the B.C. Cancer Society, coinciding with the Cops for Cancer bike ride.
“Staff and students have created a culture in the school that speaks to a belief in service with a strong sense of community,” read a press release from the event. “Citizenship is an integral part of how students participate in their learning.”
The students raised money through car washes, bottle drives, bake sales, silent auctions and the annual head-shaving event where hundreds of students went bald for the cause.
“Dozens of the student participants are teenage girls, girls who understand the symbolism of a shaved head. Having a chance to provide funding for Camp Good Times and for cancer research have become a passion for everyone.”
As a result of their decade-long efforts, the B.C. Cancer Agency is producing a film of the campaign with the hope of inspiring other schools to take on the initiative.
Other award winners include Country Grocer for its contributions to such organizations as the MS Society, the Prostate Centre and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
Since 2004 Country Grocer has contributed over $25,000 in support of Lifetime Networks mission to provide lasting friendships and support for people with developmental disabilities.
Rob Reid received the Generosity of Spirit Award for his work with the Every Step Counts program, while Tanya Smith received the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award for her efforts in putting on the Victoria Festival of Trees.
The Rotary Club of Victoria took home the Outstanding Philanthropic Service Club Award for numerous donations to local groups. And lastly, the École Victor-Brodeur’s Club des Joujoux – made up of five Grade 2 students – were recognized for their grassroots toy drive for the Our Place Society.