Lasers head to Sandpoint Beach during the annual Terry Fox Walk. Photo by: Divyanshi M.
On September 27th, 2019, St. Joseph's students made the journey from St. Joseph’s High School to Sandpoint Beach, in order to honour the legacy of Canadian hero Terry Fox. The walk was the reward for the abundance of donations brought in students over the past week to help support and raise awareness of cancer research. A total of over 5000 dollars was collected, thanks to the willingness of the Lasers to help a good cause.
The walk began right after lunch, preceded by prayer led by a student council member. Weather proved to be on the side of the Lasers, as the sun was shining throughout the day. Groups of grade 11 leadership students, who played a part in organizing the event, were stationed along the pathway to help keep students going in the right direction.
This year, the Terry Fox Walk was combined with the climate strike movement. Students held signs that protested the inaction of world leaders regarding climate change as they walked to Sandpoint Beach.
Members of the senior boys football team hold signs during the afternoon activities. Photo by: Alexandria M.
After all of the students arrived at the beach, time was given to enjoy the destination. Peach juice and water were available to keep everybody well hydrated, and candy was also handed out. On the beach, there were many fun activities; games of football, volleyball, and relaxing by the water. It was the perfect day to be outside. “It was a lot of fun to be able to hang out with my friends for the day, all because of our support for a great cause,” said Sandra T., a grade 11 student.
A political guest was present at Sandpoint Beach as well. Member of the Green Party, David Momotiuk, visited the St. Joseph’s student body during the event. He had this to say about the climate strike aspect of the afternoon, “The fact that we are having this type of action is important. We are acting because we know that we need to do so much in so many different ways.”
Grade 9 students hold signs during the Terry Fox Walk. This year the walk was combined with a global climate strike. Photo by: Alexandria M.
After the event concluded, the leadership students stayed at the beach to clean up and to reflect on the event that they had planned. Overall, the consensus was that the walk had been a success, and their efforts had raised a lot of awareness and donations for cancer research. Grade 11 leadership student Emily G. said, “The walk worked out just the way [the leadership students] had planned. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves, after donating to support the research, which is what we were hoping for.”