OACS News Service

Staff and students at Willowdale Christian School dressed in pink and red during an Oct. 2 dress down day in support of breast cancer research.
Willowdale raises funds, awareness for breast cancer
School takes part in national dress down day to honour breast cancer survivors
Monday October 5, 2009 -- Jennifer Higgs
Willowdale Christian School staff and students took part in the Breast Cancer Society of Canada Dress Down Day Oct. 2, wearing pink and red and raising more than $850 for the cause.

The North York school chose to fundraise for breast cancer because Grade 8 teacher Cathy Sallows struggled with breast cancer two years ago, and the school is grateful to have her celebrate the day with them.

“(Sallows) was delighted first of all that we decided to do this fundraiser and secondly at the response we got from the student body,” says principal Justin De Moor.

Students and staff were encouraged to dress down and wear jeans and pink, red or white. The suggested amount to donate was $5.

“We are delighted that $850 was raised,” says De Moor. “It was great.”

“It was wonderful to see so many of our students dressed in pink in support of the fight against breast cancer,” said Sallows.

“As a survivor, I am so thankful that so many people give of their time and money to work towards finding a cure. I feel very blessed to be part of this community.”

Through hosting the day students learned some information about breast cancer, and De Moor notes many knew someone who has been affected by cancer.

De Moor adds the cause “felt particularly good to bring awareness and raise funds for” because of Sallows.

Dress Down Day is held each year the first Friday in October as part of breast cancer awareness month. Companies, schools, organizations and clubs are invited to participate and ask their stakeholders to donate in support of the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.

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