Holy Redeemer’s March 4A Cure campaign is back for its 11th year! But, as with all things lately, things will be different this year.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly had an impact on how we run our campaign this year,” says March 4A Cure Organizer Mike Bachinsky. “But the students were determined to still have an event as it has become a tradition at HRH.”
Over the past ten years, HRH’s March 4A Cure has raised over $100,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Each year, a dedicated group of students work together to run a variety of events to raise funds including a bake sale, basketball free-throw competition, and a live and silent auction. “Due to all of the COVID protocols this year we knew we would have to get creative,” says grade 12 student Jaci Knight who mentioned that the group had to even meet virtually as they were not permitted to meet face-to-face. “Things were certainly different this year, but we were committed to doing something, so we focused our attention on two fundraisers.”
The first one was a sausage and pierogi fundraiser that ran during the first few weeks of March.
The second, and far more lucrative event, is an online auction run through Patterson’s Auctioneering Service. “This event will run from March 16th to 23rd and all the items will be up for bid online,” explained Knight. “Lots of businesses have contributed to the auction and there are number of great things people can win.” Some of the items include a chafing dish, Samsonite suitcase, socket and tool set, and much, much more.
Everyone is encouraged to click here to look at the items and place a bid. This link can also be found on the HRH website, holyredeemerhigh.ca and the HRH social media pages.
Even though the group is only focusing on two events, their goal is to raise $5000. “It’s such a worthy cause,” says Knight. “Everyone has been affected by cancer in one way or another. If these fundraisers help to fight cancer, then they are all totally worth it.”
The students are now busy promoting the event anyway they know how. “We have the link to the auction on the school website under March 4A Cure and under latest news,” says Bachinsky. “We plan on doing a major social media blitz, and we encourage everyone to share the link and look into placing a bid or two on some items.”
Those who win bids are asked to pick up and pay for the item on March 24th or 25th, 1 pm to 6pm, at the Sacred Heart Parish.
Individuals are also encouraged to make a donation to March 4A Cure (payable to the Alberta Cancer Foundation). All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
When asked about the commitment of the students, Bachinsky could not be prouder of the young group that has stepped forward this year. “They are really trying to make things work during these uncertain times,” he says. The group is made up of Danielle Bittner, DJ Fawcett, Shanyce Fawcett, Mekha George, Allison Giroux, Andi Giroux, Jaci Knight, Delaney Kuilboer, Lauren Leslie, Neha Paul and Janaye Wright.
On top of this, the campaign would not be possible without the incredible generosity of the business community. A full list of businesses will be made public on the HRH social media pages in the coming weeks.
So be sure to go to the auction site and place a bid on an item or two or three. All proceeds go to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.