Service in Action: Fundraising Fun for a Serious Cause

Under sunny skies on September 23, the St. Michaels University School community gathered for the annual Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock fundraiser, a day of coffee and donuts, live music and a student-voted haircut for teacher Clayton Daum — all in support of children and families affected by cancer.

“Its mission is clear and deeply human: kids and teachers standing alongside children and families facing the unimaginable challenges of a potentially terminal illness,” described Elisha Gardiner, Service-Learning  and Community Engagement Lead, who facilitated a lot of the day's programs.

The morning began with Service Council students setting up a drive-through coffee and donut stand in front of School House. Cars rolled past hand-painted signs and enthusiastic greeters as students offered hot drinks, sweet treats and quick service for donations, raising more than $500 before classes began.

A casual dress day at the Senior School added another boost, while a bake sale of homemade cookies and brownies tempted students and staff throughout the lunch hour. Music filled the Christine Duke Outdoor Theatre as student bands, soloists and duets took the stage, with a feature performance from faculty members Mathew Geddes and Evan Fryer.

After the music, all eyes turned to Mr. Daum, who had volunteered to let students decide his new look and a raffle-winning student to do the cutting. When Grade 11 student Santiago Flores La Salvia’s name was drawn, the crowd erupted in cheers. With clippers in hand, Santiago delivered the winning “Friar Tuck” trim — a light-hearted moment that alone brought in more than $700 and helped push the day’s total to $4,301, more than triple what was raised just three years ago.

Earlier in the week, Constable Cole Brewer of the Westshore RCMP, one of this year’s riders, spoke at assembly about the 1,200-kilometre Tour de Rock route from Port Alice to Victoria and the importance of community support. Now in its 28th year, the ride funds pediatric cancer research and programs such as Camp Goodtimes, which offers children affected by cancer a safe place to play, connect and simply be kids.

While a visit from the Tour de Rock team itself was unable to happen this year, the goal of the day never wavered. The day's purpose was unmistakable: a school community coming together in generosity, fun and service — and sending a powerful message of support to families who need it most.