Manachaban Middle School is hosting its annual Walk-a-Thon next Friday, Oct. 23.
Organizer and teacher Frederick Taylor said the students have been raising funds through walking for over 45 years now and it is one of the school’s biggest fundraisers.
“I don’t think we ever set a goal just because you never know with the economy – in the last few years things haven’t been all that great (but) I think if we get anywhere from 10 to 15 grand that would be great,” Taylor said.
The organizer said it would be a challenge for the school to raise its normal goal of between $12,000 and $15,000.
“We are noticing that not all of the people are willing to donate or give as much as they have before, or not at all, which is fair,” Taylor said, pointing to other financial obligations people have.
Half of funds raised go to the parent-student council, with the other half being divided up between the four grades.
The funds are then used for field trips and different activities throughout the school year.
There is also a portion that goes into a contingency fund.
“Not every student can afford some of the activities we do, whether it’s an activity day in the mountains, in the museum, in the science centre, anything like that,” Taylor explained.
“Sometimes the parent can’t put in the ten, fifteen, twenty, whatever amount it may be – [we] want to make sure we don’t leave anyone behind.”
The Walk-A-Thon will start between 9:30 – 10 a.m. at the school, where the students will walk through the Historic Ranche site, around the community, down by the Bow River and stop at Mitford Park for a mid-way snack before heading back for a barbecue.
Taylor said he wants to extend his thanks to the volunteers and businesses that help out and donate with the walk.
“We work with the community – it isn’t just a one man show,” Taylor said. “We definitely need the parents to help, and the community comes to our rescue every year.”
