Banded Peak students put their sneakers to good use last Friday as the children raised more than $13,000 for the annual Walkathon.
“It’s one of our three major fundraisers for the year,” said Trisha Gizen, chair of the school council.
“It’s an incredible day and in hard economic times, it is important.”
Despite the recent economic downturn in the last couple of years, organizers said the students managed to raise more funds through pledges this year, compared to the $12,000 raised last year.
“It’s been phenomenal,” Gizen said.
With funds going toward transportation for field trips, and purchasing technology and books for the school, Gizen said the money raised also goes toward the school’s Fine Arts Day.
Described as “the student’s favourite day,” the youth spent the morning hiking trails around the Bragg Creek school while Redwood Meadows emergency services personnel and Cochrane RCMP officers hid in the bushes with water guns giving the students a chance to cool off.
“We enjoy giving back to the kids and we want to give them a positive image of emergency services members,” said Jennifer Evans, Captain with Redwood Meadows Emergency Services.
In addition to the water fights, Redwood Meadows Emergency Services staff has also been hosting the barbecue for the annual Banded Peak walkathon for the last five to six years.
“A huge thanks to everyone,” Gizen said.
