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Students at Thom Collegiate raised more than $36,000 for the Allan Blair Cancer Centre.
They raised the money this week as part of Beat Cancer Week – an annual tradition spanning 27 years.
The cause is near and dear to the heart of Grade 11 student Brinley Donald, whose grandmother is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Donald said she was thinking of her grandmother throughout the week-long fundraising effort.
“It’s a really good feeling to see them fundraise for cancer, and I just know that my grandma would be so proud if she knew about this,” Donald said.
“She’d be so happy to hear people actually care about cancer and everything that goes towards it.”
Brinley Donald (Grade 11) and Ashley Keyowski (Grade 10) were happy to participate in Beat Cancer Week. April 17, 2025. (Daniel/Reech 980 CJME)
The tradition dates back to 1997, when students raised treatment money for their classmate Christian Alfonso, who was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away in 1998.
This year’s event began last Friday and was kicked off with a bottle drive and chess tournament. Students engaged in other activities like a “Jail and Bail,” which had students pay for “bail” set by teachers to get out of class.
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Grade 10 student Ashley Keyowski said it was an immersive experience.
“We’re doing fun things, but that’s also going to help out other people and it’s going to give money to research – it’s definitely a very good feeling,” Keyowski said.
“You can still have fun and do it. But also, even if they weren’t having fun, I’m sure kids would donate.”
Both students said “Jail and Bail” was the most fun activity they took part in.
On Friday at Thom, students were treated to several different fundraising rewards like watching a WWE-style wrestling match between teachers, a choreographed dance between teachers and the opportunity to shave the heads of volunteers.
Students were treated to events like watching a pro-wrestling-style match between teachers. April 17, 2025. (Daniel/Reech 980 CJME)
Students raised $18,000 during the week, which was matched by the Gardiner family. Daniel Gardiner was best friends with Alfonso in 1997.
“I think this might be (the students) favourite week of the year. And as a teacher and a principal, honestly, we couldn’t be more proud,” said Thom Principal Jillian Sutherland.
Sutherland said students exceeded the funding goal. Sutherland said she was glad the money is going toward a cause that can potentially save more lives.
“This is a legacy we can be proud of. There are other things we carry on and traditions that we carry on, but this one – there’s no words for it,” Sutherland.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the kids and staff here. Having a father who recently passed away from cancer, but also to be a head of a school of almost 800 kids and a staff of 80 people who put this much love and care and attention into carrying on a legacy and a tradition that we know is important for Thom Collegiate, but also for Regina and Saskatchewan.”
Misty Selinger, director of engagement with the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, said it was inspiring to see so many young people engaged in philanthropy.
“They’re having fun, but they also realize how important this is, not only for themselves, but their families, their friends (and) their neighbours,” Selinger said.
“If they haven’t experienced cancer, they do know someone who has. It’s everywhere, and so it’s really important to know that they have the power to give back, to make sure that other cancer patients know that they’re not alone in their cancer journey.”
“That’s what gives cancer patients the strength to keep going.”
Selinger said the funds will go towards equipment and supplies that help cancer patients as well as toward prevention and research.
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