Allison Hollick, Writer,
Last Friday, Walnut Grove Secondary was brought together for our only all-school event of the year: Tuff Wally. WGSS has a proud legacy within the cancer research community as the highest raising school in B.C., collecting thousands of dollars each year within our PHE classes and through T
uff Wally, all in the name of Terry Fox.
A local resident, Terry Fox is a Canadian hero who is celebrated throughout the world for his determination and his goal of raising one dollar for each
Canadian in the name of cancer research. Even after his death, the world remembers this young hero by continuing to run Marathons of Hope and by fundraising in his name. Every member of our school has been effected by this debilitating and painful disease, either personally or through a friend/family member, so this event has always been close to our heart. It is only due to the legacy of Terry that tuff wally, a test of determination and perseverance, was born.
Each year, walnut grove forms its teams of five, comprised of staff and students alike, to fundraise for the honour of participating in the famous obstacle course (including a 9-foot wall) based upon the same kinds of physical challenges Terry faced, but on a much smaller scale. This year, Walnut Grove was proud to have 65 teams participating, both staff and student leaders, and teams from our local elementary schools running the course. one team member said that,
“I would definitely do it again, [and] getting over the wall really made [my team grow] closer.”-Myriah Blackbird
Though the grand total for this year is not yet in, it is said that we crushed last year’s total of $27,000! As a school, we are honoured to have such an impact within the cancer community and believe a cure will be found with the help of our donation. Many people have given up their time for this cause, including the teachers and leadership in athletics staff who started building the wall at six am Friday morning, and those who volunteered to help run the event, concession, and carnival games, as well as the drumline group who provided a beat to the day. There was truly something for everyone during Tuff Wally, and we wait with bated breath to find out our donation total, and for next year’s event as well.
