Let the walk begin – Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School’s annual walk-a-thon is being held on Thursday Oct. 11. The all-girls school’s Athletic Council is preparing like busy bees for the yearly event. In preparation the students have been visiting organizations and stores around the Beach community for any donations to help out with the event. The walk-a-thon has been a yearly tradition of the school, held to raise both school and community spirit. The girls will be walking a total of 9 km on the Beach boardwalk.
Each year’s event follows a theme. Last year’s was Superman, while this year’s will be the popular book The Hunger Games. In mid-September the girls are given a pledge form. The money would be used towards the school’s necessities and the event. The minimum pledge amount to walk is $20, and participants must bring in $40 if they would like a t-shirt with the theme of this year’s walk-a-thon.
The walk-a-thon will allow the girls of Notre Dame to spend time with their friends, get active along the beach boardwalk and have a free barbecue lunch at school after the walk, with games and music, along with a whole day of no school work!
“My favorite part about walk-a-thon is the 9 km walk through the Beaches. Not only do we get to walk, but we are also able to create bonds with our fellow Dame sisters, walking side by side, arms linked together like a chain. The best walk I’ve ever been on,” said Grade 12 student Christylyn Tolentino.
“I just love how it’s a day to just get together and unite with friends, just have a good time,” said Grade 11 student Sarah Sabapathypillai.
The walk-a-thon is also an opportunity for the girls to be out of their usual uniform.
The school encourages everyone to get involved by including prizes such as an iPad, sports tickets, concert tickets and gift cards along with many other prizes donated by generous organizations. The top student who raises the most money in each grade level will receive a prize. The grade which raises the most money out of all grades will receive a free party.
By going on this walk the students have a chance to connect with their community and experience more than just the school. Walking down the boardwalk helps them to get both fresh air and experience nature.
Last year the students were able to raise about $15,000, and are hoping to collect just as much or more. Funds will be used to help the clubs, extracurricular activities, athletics and any improvements the school may need to make the school environment a more safe and reliable place.
Notre Dame is still be accepting any donations for the walk-a-thon and would greatly appreciate any help from the Beach community. If you have any questions feel free to contact Ms. Tomlin, the teacher moderator of the Athletic Council at 416-393-5501.
Students at Notre Dame are eager to set out on their 9 km walk on Thursday, and we would like to thank our sponsors for this year’s walk-a-thon. Without them it wouldn’t have been possible. Our sponsors include Loblaws, Beach Valu Mart, HMV, Boa, Titika, Wendy’s and Beaches Alliance Atlantis, and many more.
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Good job Keshhhh ! Proud of youu !