Like most schools across B.C. and Canada, Grandview Heights Secondary held an annual Terry Fox Run in honour of the Canadian icon and to raise money for cancer research.
The South Surrey high school's leadership classes co-ordinated the run, and decided the theme of this year's event would be based on one question: "How can we, as Grandview Heights students, impact our community from within our school?" Grandview Heights athletic director Sierra Rai said in an email.
Senior leadership students Joyce Tu, Kaelyn Chong, Victor Zhang, Devin Jiang and Dolly Zhang reminded each grade at an assembly to remember Fox’s dedication, no matter what – no matter the distance, no matter the odds, no matter the journey, like Fox, who pushed through the pain as long as he could, Rai noted.
To help incentivize students to reach the fundraising goal of $4,100, two school staff members – Karen Brett and Colin Brown – put their hair on the line.
After the run on Friday (Sept. 20), Brown and Brett had their heads completely shaved in support of cancer research in the lobby of the school, as students watched from all three floors, taking photos and video.
"This was an emotional and inspiring moment for their entire community," Rai said.
"I am so proud of all individuals who took part in this motivating event. Actions will always speak louder than words, and the actions of raising the money to reach our goal, and cutting one's hair will always be a moment of inspiration in the Grizzly community."
The school is still taking donations online towards Terry Fox's legacy and cancer research through its website, schoolcashonline.com
