Everyone’s a Winner Playing for a Cause as Six Schools Take Part in Fundraiser
“I don’t think there’s anybody who hasn’t been personally affected by cancer, so this is a way for our school communities to come together and support kids and families who are going through a very tough experience,” said Charlotte Reisiger, a Grade 10 student in the Enrichment program Leadership class at Pauline Johnson, which is spearheading the planning of the event with the guidance of Teacher Neal Stamer, coaches, and department heads. “I think a lot of us have also had personal experiences with McMaster Children’s Hospital, so it’s a cause close to our hearts.”
Last year, six schools including Pauline Johnson, Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School, North Park Collegiate and Vocational School, Paris District High School, St. John’s College, and Assumption College School took part in the event, which raised $1,389 through voluntary donations as admission to the games. This year they hope to exceed that total with a voluntary donation of $4 from each player taking part.
“While the donation is voluntary, the message being sent is that it’s a privilege to be active and able to take part in sports, when unfortunately, not all kids are able to if they’re going through treatments in battling cancer,” said Neal Stamer, whose students have benefited from the learning experience of planning a multi-school event. “These are competitive games, but everyone is sort of playing for the same team when a cause like this is involved, so that makes this event really special.”
Play 4 MAC Kids:
- Date: Thursday, October 24
- Time: Doors open at 3 p.m., games start at 4 p.m.
- Locations: Games happening at all participating schools: Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School; Brantford Collegiate and Vocational School; North Park Collegiate and Vocational School; Paris District High School; St. John’s College; Assumption College School
- Admission by donation in support of McMaster Children’s Hospital
Photos by Grand Erie Communications