Sudbury school cancer drive raises more than 51K

Lockerby Composite School's Kids Caring for Kids Cancer Drive was a tremendous success. This year, students and staff raised $51,600 for the Northern Cancer Foundation's Pediatric Care Centre. Participating were, back row, from left, Pina Cotesta, and teacher leads Carla Sirkka, Ashley Remington and Hayley Hockley; third row, from left, Connor Pearce, Leah McMahon, Helia Dabiri Satri, Clara Coulas, and John Bertrim; second row, from left, Guntas Jhand, Dakshatha Lanka, Gwynne Edwards, Gwendalyn Harper, and Silken McConnell; and first row, from left, Sidney Ferron, Abby D'Aloisio, Ava Ouellet and Calab Castonguay. (photo supplied)

An annual student fundraiser at Lockerby Composite School in Greater Sudbury raised $51,600 in the Kids Caring for Kids Cancer Drive in memory of Laura Cotesta.

Cotesta died from cancer in 1997 at the age of 18.

Since 1995, the cancer drive has raised more than $1.1 million to support the Health Sciences North foundation for pediatric oncology care at the Sudbury hospital, the Rainbow District School Board said in a release Monday.

“I extend a sincere thank you to all residents, businesses and organizations who contributed to the success of this year’s initiative,” said principal Ryan Lafraniere.

“When students and staff canvassed the community on Oct. 29, they were greeted with a warm welcome and an enthusiastic response.”

“Year after year, these students show up with the same passion, dedication, and determination to make a difference for pediatric oncology patients at Health Sciences North,” said Chelsea Parent, HSN foundation community engagement specialist.

“They are a shining example of what it means to be kids caring for kids.”

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