Although Gabriel Paul participated in the fight against cancer by running in the Terry Fox Run last week, the event left the nine-year-old feeling like he wanted to do more.
“I wanted to shave my head for donations on Sunday, but it was too late. Then my mom suggested I try to raise donations for our school’s run next week and I thought the idea was perfect,” the Grade 4 LÁU,WELNEW student said.
With the help of his mom, Zandra, and other family members, Gabriel raised over $200 in the week prior to the run to add to his schools donation total.
“He knows cancer runs in the family, so he’s really aware of it, and he was so keen to support the cause,” said Zandra. “It was really neat to see.”
With the help of family, friends and community members, Gabriel raised $215.50, which was more than he’d anticipated.
“I started out wanting to get only $100 but I got a lot more and now I’m here shaving my head because I reached my goal. It’s so cool,” Gabriel said.
The money raised will go towards the school’s current total of $315.50 — $15.50 more than the amount staff promised the students they would take pie in the face for.
“We’re willing to take a pie in the face for a good cause,” laughed school principal Maryann Gladstone.
If the school reaches the $500 mark, one staff member has also promised to shave her head.
The Terry Fox run happens at LÁU,WELNEW Sept. 28.