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Students Rally around their Teacher to Support Cancer Research

June 27, 2012

Found in News

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Students at Bradner Elementary cap the 2012 school year with a gift to cancer research, supporting their kindergarten teacher’s efforts to honour her mother’s memory. The elementary school children initiated a coin drive, collecting over $1,500 for the BC Cancer Foundation.

Ravinder Grewal, kindergarten teacher at Bradner Elementary, started a fundraising initiative in memory of her mother, Hardial Kaur Gill, who was diagnosed with late-stage gastric cancer in 2011.

“Despite aggressive chemotherapy treatments, we were only given nine months to care for our mother, something she had spent a life time doing for others,” says Grewal.

Hardial Kaur Gill believed firmly in the need to give back to the community. Her family is honouring her memory by collecting support from friends, family and the community that will fuel leading-edge research at the BC Cancer Agency and make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with cancer in the future.

“She has always been our guiding light and we know mom would have wanted us to refocus our energy on finding ways to help others,” adds Grewal, who has been deeply moved by the generosity of the entire Bradner Community.

A local transport company, R Mann Trucking, was inspired by the children’s efforts and came forward to match the donation. In addition, gifts from family and friends, Shergill Transport and Harlens Trucking have tipped the family’s fundraising efforts over $25,000.

President and CEO of BC Cancer Foundation Douglas Nelson says, “The Gill family and students of Bradner Elementary are inspiring community leaders helping us reach our goal of a world free from cancer. Together, they are providing significant support for the specialized cancer research taking place here in B.C. that makes a significant difference in the lives of those diagnosed with cancer.”

Jashaun Grewal is a grade seven student at Bradner Elementary and felt compelled to make a difference after the loss of his grandmother. “If we all give our support, I feel confident in saying that every single penny that we raised will help bring us one step closer to ridding the world of cancer,” he says. Bradner teachers supported the students’ fundraising efforts, helping organize the coin drive and initiating a Pie- in-the-Face contest.

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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Allison Colina
Communications Specialist
e. allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca