St. Peter bumped as top fundraiser

Lindsay’s I.E. Weldon Secondary School was recognized Wednesday as the top fundraiser for the 2017 Terry Fox Run – a title historically held by St. Peter Secondary School in Peterborough.

Fred Fox and Lisa Armstrong of The Terry Fox Foundation visited the school to announce that the $68,831.21 raised by the Wildcats last year was the most by an Ontario school.

Fox – who recalled taking part in the St. Peter event in 2010 – praised the “awesome” support of both schools when reached Thursday.

“It’s so cool to see the schools in that area … so passionate about what Terry started,” the manager of supporter relations said from Kitchener.

Fox and Armstrong also thanked I.E. Weldon teacher Leslie Armstrong, who plans to retire in June, for leadership that helped the school raise about $440,000. Her coming retirement provided added incentive to the 2017 drive.

“The school really wanted to make an extra effort to reach that goal (of being the top fundraiser),” Fox said.

He wasn’t sure of exactly how long St. Peter had held the title, but it was the top school for “quite a few years,” he said.

According to media reports, St. Peter raised some $67,131 in 2017, $63,192 in 2016, $75,000 in 2015, $137,370 in 2014 and $66,665 in 2013. It had been the top fundraising school in Canada since 1995, raising more than $1.5 million.

Travelling the country to connect with students is key for foundation representatives, Fox said, pointing out how important it is to recognize their efforts and say thank you. “They will all have a connection to cancer at some point.”

The message is always the same – Terry Fox was an average kid just like them who wanted to make a difference. His hard-work and determination helped him achieve his goals. “Terry believed anything is possible, if you try.”

St. Peter principal Sherry Davis could not be reached late Thursday afternoon.

NOTE: For more information on The Terry Fox Foundation, visit www.terryfox.org .