Students at Balmoral Hall share camaraderie during Girls for the Cure, Oct. 9/14. Photo by Jennifer Pawluk
Joined by students and teachers from Mulvey School, members of Balmoral Hall School’s community walked five kilometres throughout West Broadway October 9 in support of Girls for the Cure. Together, they raised $21,557 this fall for CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in honour of the annual Guardian Angel Benefit for Women’s Cancer.
Established in 2001, Girls for the Cure creates awareness during Women’s Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging support for women living with cancer. Students, staff, and alumnae of Balmoral Hall, along with their families, have committed to this cause wholeheartedly. To date, they have donated more than $356,000 to the foundation.
“We have come together as a community to say we are going to stop this horrible disease in its tracks,” said Tina Alto, executive director of Balmoral Hall.
The independent girls’ school shares a partnership of mutual support with Chemo Savvy, a Winnipeg dragon boat racing team of breast cancer survivors.
Several teammates joined the school community for its annual walk, offering some inspiring words beforehand.
“Cancer impacts the lives of not only the victims but of their families and friends as well,” stressed Reena Normandale. “Your participation in this worthy event supports Manitobans touched by cancer. You are raising awareness, and the funds raised go to cancer research and treatment.”
Following the riverwalk, participants dressed in pink convened on the grounds of Manitoba’s Legislative Building to enjoy some refreshments as well as entertainment before the cheque presentation.
The 14th annual Girls for the Cure walk raised more than $21,000 for CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Photo by Jennifer Pawluk
“You are doing amazing work,” Annitta Stenning, president and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, told those gathered. “You are changing lives every day, but the part that we love so much is what you are doing about your own lives every day. You are practising everything we talk about.”
Heading into Thanksgiving weekend, Community Service and Green Prefect Annick Beauchesne reflected on her own experience, expressing her gratitude for community outreach events such as this one.
“Girls for the Cure is an excellent opportunity for students, because it gives us a chance to get involved in community service,” noted the grade 12 student. “We unite as a student body to work together toward a common goal. In raising money and walking together, students really feel connected to each other and the greater community.”
Many students choose to further their involvement with Girls for the Cure by volunteering at the upcoming benefit, Wednesday, Oct. 29. The girls of Balmoral Hall care about wellness, particularly that of others. By celebrating healthy living and community building, they continue to make a difference.
In June, members of the class of 2014 won Canadian Cancer Society’s Tan-Free Grad challenge.
According to Canadian Cancer Society, 93,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cancer in 2014, while 36,600 women will die from cancer.
Educating ourselves is as important now as ever.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to another successful Girls for the Cure effort.
