Westside’s Pink Day donation the largest in Canada
December 7, 2015
Westside Secondary School has been named the top fundraiser in the country for the Breast Cancer Society of Canada’s (BCSC) annual campaign.
The national charity announced Monday that the Orangeville, Ont., school was this year’s “Dress for the Cause” top fundraiser.
According to BCSC, Westside’s 2015 donation was higher than any other company or group in Canada. “For the first time in our history, a group of students has surpassed the contribution of every other business in Canada,” said Kimberly Carson, CEO of BCSC.
This November the school held its 11th annual Pink Day, where staff and students raise money for BCSC’s breast cancer awareness fundraiser.
Pink Day is the school’s largest spirit day of the year. In the days leading up to Pink Day, students donated money in exchange for pink highlights in their hair, pink painted nails, cotton candy and cupcakes, with all proceeds going to their fundraising efforts.
At the Pink Day assembly, nearly all 900 students showed up wearing pink. Teachers and students faced off in tug of war competitions, and staff tested their performance skills in dance-offs and lip sync contests. Several students shaved their heads and donated their hair to groups that make wigs for cancer patients.
Over the years, the school has raised more than $96,800 for breast cancer research; this year alone they raised a whopping $12,056.
“The selflessness of Westside’s student body and faculty sets an example for all Canadian donations. We are deeply thankful for Westside’s continued support,” Carson said.
Breast cancer awareness is a deeply personal issue for many at Westside. The school began Pink Day as several faculty members have been impacted by breast cancer.
“We are passionate about hosting our Dress for the Cause event every year, as breast cancer has touched many families at Westside,” said teacher Christine Kirkland.
“There is no greater event that brings together the spirit, hope and generosity of Westside and our community,” she said.
As the top fundraiser, a $5,000 donation will be made in the school’s honour to a local cancer treatment facility.
Categories: Spotlight On Schools