North Star High School raises $900 at annual Terry Fox Run
- Ron Giofu
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Students and staff from North Star High School walked or ran with a purpose last week.
The school held its annual Terry Fox Run last Thursday with students walking on the remaining section of the track at neighbouring H. Murray Smith Centennial Park. While they had hoped to surpass their Terry Fox Run fundraising total of $1,200 from last year, organizers were still happy they raised $900 in 2025.
Teacher Mikki Balestrini, one of the organizers of the event, said this was the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox’s “Marathon of Hope” to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Many of the students and staff wore messages about who they were running or walking for. Balestrini said that helped make the school’s Terry Fox Run a bit more personal when the students had a loved one they were running or walking for.
The theme of Terry Fox Runs nationwide is “Finish It” and a number of participants had shirts with that slogan on it.
“We’re here to honour the courage and bravery Terry Fox had,” said Balestrini.
Students rotated outside throughout the school day, with Grade 9 students going out in period one, Grade 10 students in period two, Grade 11 students in period three and Grade 12 students in period four.
“We have an online link for donations,” she added. “It was our hope every student in the school would bring in a toonie for Terry.”
Students were taught about Fox, the Marathon of Hope and about his accomplishments through classroom lessons leading up to the Terry Fox Run, with Balestrini pointing out the run was the culmination of their efforts.
Balestrini added runs took place not just at North Star High School, but at their predecessor schools including General Amherst High School and Western Secondary School.
“The kids learn a lot about him in class and are walking for him too,” she added.
North Star High School raises $900 at annual Terry Fox Run
By Ron Giofu
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