April 29, 2009

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

KELOWNA, BC: Dr. Knox Middle School will celebrate the 30th Annual Province-Wide Milk Run, sponsored by B.C. Dairy Foundation, with the entire school population participating in a 3-kilometer run followed by an all-school assembly on Friday, May 1, 2009.  The assembly will feature a special event in support of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation—more than 44 students will have their heads shaved or donate six inches of hair that will be used to create wigs for chemotherapy patients.  Another 33 students have collected pledges from relatives, friends, held bake sales and organized garage sales.  Many of the students utilized a website, sponsored by BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, to gather support from people around the province, Canada and the world.

Speaking for the students on why they are working so hard on the fundraising is Dana Watts, the top fundraiser at the school.  She explains on her website, “I realize how lucky I am to be in good health and that I have never had to spend time in a hospital.”  Dana and other students feel that they can make a difference in the lives of sick children.

“We have driven, dedicated students at Dr. Knox Middle School who want to make a positive difference in the world.  I believe this tradition of giving is imbedded in our school community from our namesake Dr. Billy Knox, a local doctor and a community contributor who cared about improving children’s health,” explains David Lafontaine, a chief architect of the events and a former Dr. Knox student.

The school goal is to reach $30,000 and at this point, $16,000 has been generated by a Family Bingo (featuring large gift basket prizes donated by the students and staff) and the Annual Silent Auction, Dinner & Dance.  This is the fourth year that students and staff at Dr. Knox Middle School have held these types of fundraisers in support of BC Children’s Hospital. 

The project is the initiative of teachers Rhonda Beach, David Lafontaine, student teacher Elaine Blok, Support Staff Lisa Nyfira, Simone Gauthier, Judy Rosdal, Linda Duck, and parents Laurel D’Andrea, Kathy Lafontaine, Amber Neilsen, Patti DiMaria, and Donna McHattie. 

Approved by the Superintendent on April 28, 2009

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For comments, please contact:

David Lafontaine, Teacher, Dr. Knox Middle School, (250) 762 8177 ext 4942

Laurel D’Andrea, Dr. Knox Parent & owner Beyond 50 Magazine, (250) 878 9194

Website: www.bcchf.net/DrKnox

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.