News Release
5/30/2019
Newmarket, ON – Students from Newmarket HS raised $87,500 so far this year through Relay for Life to support the Canadian Cancer Society.
Months of fundraising culminated in a nine hour relay with hundreds of students participating. Several cancer survivors were also in attendance and began the event by walking the opening Victory Lap.
This year’s Relay for Life was dedicated to Lillian Sandic-Aylon, a long time, beloved Newmarket HS teacher, who lost her battle with cancer in the summer of 2018. All funds raised were donated to the Canadian Cancer Society in her name.
“Our student organizing committee and our fundraisers did a fantastic job this year ensuring that our 2019 Relay for Life was a memorable one,” said Leslie-Anne Holmeshaw, Teacher at Newmarket HS. “It was a joy to watch our students, past and present, engage in an evening of fun, games, musical entertainment, heartwarming speeches and a luminary lap dedicated to loved ones lost and to those still fighting cancer.”
Since adopting the event in 2006, student-led initiatives have collectively raised over $838,000 to support cancer research and Canadians living with cancer and their families. Over $300,000 of that total was raised in the last four years.
Fundraisers included:
- Online and in-person pledges
- Haircutting pledges (all hair donated to make wigs for cancer patients)
- Leg waxing
- Bottles drives
- Bake sales
- Used clothing sale
- Sponsorship
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 123,000 students in 176 elementary schools and 32 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow @YRDSB on Twitter.
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