Grade 6 Holly Elementary students Taylor Deane and Laurin Henry proudly presented the Delta Hospital Foundation with a cheque last week for cancer care at Delta Hospital.
They raised $800 by holding a Toonie Drive at their school in memory of their grandfathers, Clifford Cox and Donald McLaurin, both of whom recently passed away from cancer and had received great care at Delta Hospital.
The girls had a planning discussion with their principal who helped them through the process.
“While I offered support and encouragement, this was initiated completely by the girls and they should be honoured and acknowledged for their efforts,” says principal Vikki Chapman.
To advertise their Toonie Drive, with help of friend Marley, the girls handmade many posters. They also made daily morning announcements encouraging their classmates, teachers and staff to donate.
Taylor and Laurin initially set a goal to raise $500.
Both girls wanted to raise awareness about cancer and how it can affect every family, but mostly, they wanted their grandfathers to be remembered.
“My grandpa was awesome,” says Laurin. “He always came to my basketball and soccer games. Also, he had lots of silly expressions like, ‘Eat your vegetables, it’ll put hair on your chest.”
Taylor added simply, “I think my Papa would be proud of me.”
