Canadian International School unites to run with Terry Fox Foundation

Bangalore, September 21, 2024: Canadian International School Bangalore celebrated the Terry Fox Run — a non-competitive, charity event held in honour of the late Terry Fox who was a champion for cancer research. An event marked with passion and care, the Run inspired students, parents, staff and the larger community to unite towards bringing greater awareness about cancer research, and raising over 23 lakhs over the years — all in an effort to highlight the burning need for a cure.

“Canadian International School has been an integral part of this [Terry Fox Run] team. Since 2010, we moved the Run to the school, and every year the Run is getting bigger and better! We organise this to raise funds for cancer awareness and we contribute to Tata Memorial. I urge everyone out there to come be part of this big cause,” said Mukesh Tolani, Terry Fox Foundation, Bangalore.

As an institution that embodies courage, respect and inclusion — students took the time from their packed schedules to set up their own fundraising campaigns facilitated by Fuel A Dream, which alone raised more than INR 2,00,000. Students also sold t-shirts, handcrafted crocheted goodies and delectable baked treats on campus to support the cause. This, along with a donation by Cytecare Cancer Hospitals, helped Canadian International School Bangalore raise an impressive total of around INR 8,00,000 in just one month — the highest amount ever raised by the school in a Run.

“[It’s] Really amazing to see so many people come out, especially on a Saturday morning for this Run. And as you know, cancer, it's really common in India, and it's really important to spread awareness about it. I feel like a community like this coming together, especially what CIS has done for this, is amazing about Terry Fox,” commented Pratyush, a CIS student from IB1.

The Run saw over 1,000 participants including students, parents, teachers and residents of Bangalore running, jogging, skating, walking and cycling to show their solidarity in the 5k marathon.

“It was a very good experience for me, the first time to run along with other parents and share this opportunity,” said Bertrand, parent at CIS. Amit, another parent who ran the 5k marathon shared, “It was nice to run today with all the parents and kids. I think if we can take one step as a community — no matter what, we can beat cancer!”

The Terry Fox Run is an event deeply ingrained in the ethos of Canadian International School Bangalore, as it embodies their vision of nurturing, challenging and empowering their students and larger community. Year after year, the school takes pride in organising this run that not only honours the legacy of Terry Fox, but also underscores the importance of pushing past mental and physical challenges.

Misti, EAL Teacher at CIS, enthusiastically said, “I love to participate in the Terry Fox Foundation Run at CIS. It’s one of the few races I’ve done that has so many students involved. To give [awareness about] cancer research and to put this forward from a student’s, parent’s and the community’s perspective is something really awesome to be involved in.”

Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School commented, “It’s an honour to host the Terry Fox Run — an annual charity event supported by our entire community to raise awareness about cancer research. The event fosters a sense of unity, care and joy — truly embodying CIS’ values.”

The event at Canadian International School, Bangalore, concluded with a heartwarming sense of achievement and unity. It served as a reminder that, just like Terry Fox did during his Marathon of Hope, we can overcome obstacles and create a better future when we come together for a common cause.