The 15th annual Relay for Life cancer fundraiser at Wellington Heights Secondary School on June 7 was a big success.
The student run committee and staff who helped them organize the event managed to blow past their fundraising goal of $36,444.
Teacher Adam Norton says ultimately, the day was about coming together and fighting for a noble cause. He spoke about how he was feeling at the conclusion of the event.
"Unbelievable joy, and the joy that comes in the relaxed state of 'We did it' but more importantly we did it for the right reasons. But I'm more thrilled that everybody who came through saw the importance of what we're doing and really came together to fight against cancer," Norton shared proudly.
Norton says the fundraising tally is now over $44,000 with donations still coming in.
Following the event, which featured teams walking the track all day, the day ended with a powerful survivor's lap, led by local people who have battled or are currently battling cancer, with all the students, faculty and visitors walking in unison behind them in a symbol of unity.
Norton says it was amazing to see the impact of the event beyond the walls of the school.
"To see so many former staff, former students, family members, all of it, it really proves to me how much we can come together. More things bring us together than divide us, and it was fighting cancer today, it's something else another day, and it's just so great to see so many people that have been in the trenches together, metaphorically speaking, of course, come back together to see each other. It's just such a joy and it gives me great satisfaction," said Norton.
With so many amazing moments and memories over the last 15 years of the event, Norton says he hopes that everyone who attended the event this year or donated or helped make it happen takes away a special message.
"Look to brighten someone's day, look to unite with someone else to brighten someone else's day. That's what I got to do today, I got to be part of a great team, got to fundraise a bunch of money. But I also got to make a difference in someone else's life and give them a chance to be part of that and make them feel part of this community. If we can all do that more often, we'll be just fine," Norton concluded.
The school sailed past the fundraising goal of $36,444, now sitting at over $44,000. You can still donate if you wish clicking here.