Run 4 Their Lives, which an initiative of Student Success and the Co-op Department, is a group of grade 9 to 12+ students who support local charitable walk/run/cycle fundraisers on a monthly basis for the entire school year. In preparation for each month‘s event, the members create video announcements, posters, and brochures to not only increase awareness of the charita-ble foundation, but to also encourage the spirit of Christian Service in the school. Advertisements for the events have included participation in the Ath-letic Council seasonal assemblies, spe-cial video announcement guest speak-ers, and classroom presentations. For each walk/run, the members collect pledges and walk/run/cycle or volunteer in various capacities (ex. water stations, food stations, set up, take down, etc.). Members also organize, advertise and run bake sales to collect funds for further do-nations, promotional items, and bus transportation. A small group of members designed the team shirt which is worn as part of the school uniform on the day prior to the event and at the actual event which usually takes place on a Saturday or Sunday. Selected mem-bers are also responsible for writing articles for local newspapers, the board website, school newsletter, and the yearbook. Weekly training may include guided walks/runs or visits to the school‘s fitness centre. Wherever possible, students are encouraged to invite parents and siblings to the event. New members are always welcome!
Since 2009, more than 250 members have collectively earned almost 10,000 Christian Service Hours and donated over $42, 000 through Run 4 Their Lives. The events that we have supported are the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, Give the Gift of Life Walk for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Road 2 Hope for Citykidz and Hope for Haiti, The Freedom Run for the Diabetes Foundation, the Santa Shuffle for the Salvation Army, the Heart & Stroke Foundation (canvassing and the Big Bike), The Inside Ride for Coast to Coast, Every Step Matters – MS Walk, the Brain Tumour Foundation of Can-ada, .M.A.D 4 Maddie, and Gord Paul‘s Triple Ironman for Haiti.
This year was especially significant for us as we paid tribute to our fellow teacher, coach, mentor, and friend, Mr. Gianfranco Piro who recently passed away after a long battle with a brain tumour. Over 100 members, staff and students dedicated their participation in the second annual Brain Tumour Foundation Spring Sprint in May to honour his memory. Last year, it was with Mr. Piro‘s suggestion that the club participate in this event. At that time, Mr. Piro who wanted to help raise awareness of the Brain Tumour Foundation, had just undergone brain surgery. Staff and students were so inspired by his presence on that rainy day last year that they knew that their support was even more important this year.
The turnout from Cardinal Newman alone was unbelievable and very touching. It shows how people can unite together to make a real difference, said Ryan Markesic, a CN student and member of Run 4 Their Lives.
Last year, we walked with Mr. Piro. This year, we walked for him.