A.B. Ellis Public School among Top 50 Terry Fox Fundraisers in Ontario

A.B. Ellis Public School in Espanola has, once again, ranked among the Top 50 Terry Fox Fundraisers in Ontario at the elementary level. The school has placed ninth, raising $19,044.20 during the 2011 campaign.

“This list is made even more remarkable when we share with you that these funds account for 19 per cent of all funds raised by Ontario schools in 2011,” said Wendy Fric, School Development Officer with The Terry Fox Foundation. “What a truly inspiring effort by all! Thank you for displaying such a strong commitment to not only Terry, but also to his dream to find a cure for all cancers.”

A.B. Ellis Public School has been participating in the Terry Fox Run since 1997. To date, the school has raised an impressive $269,284.65 for the Terry Fox Foundation.

“Our students are very passionate about this annual event,” says Principal Lynn MacDonell. “Last year, we lost our very own Christian Mokohonuk, a Grade 6 student, to cancer. This year’s walk was dedicated to him and held a very special place in our hearts.” During the walk, Christian’s classmates wore t-shirts with his name printed on the back, thanks to Tony Yachuk, the Head of Physical Education at Espanola High School.

Once again this year, the community of Espanola showed its strong support, through pledges and donations in kind.  A total of 124 students received a KFC dinner compliments of Jim Taylor from the local KFC as well as milk, compliments of Don Farquhar from the local Farquar’s Dairy. These children raised over $50 each.

The school also handed out 78 Terry Fox t-shirts compliments of local businesses, including Frank and Lisa Winkel of Your Independent Grocer, Andy and Annie McKechnie of Home Hardware, Pat McMaster of Canadian Tire, Kelly Orr of Freshco and the local Lions Club. These students each raised over $100 in pledges.

“Our local newspaper, the Mid-North Monitor, also acknowledges our top fundraiser with a plaque,” says Principal MacDonell. “Our top fundraiser for 2011 was Leah Haley, a Grade 5/6 student. She raised $1,233 on her own.”

She added: “We are very proud of all of our students, staff, parents/guardians and community for their wonderful support of the Terry Fox Run. A.B. Ellis also appears on the Top 20 Per Capita list, another great accomplishment for our school and community.”

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Media Contact:

Lynn MacDonell, Principal, A.B. Ellis Public School,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-869-1651.