Students raise $2,100 for cancer victim

It took a team effort to pull a tanker truck several feet in the school’s driveway. Front-back, Rose Albert, Pam Sware, Lorraine Anderson, Kari Luther, Peggy McCarthy, Helen Gauchier, Gerard Gillis, Bruce Joudrey and Lorne L’Hirondelle. A few people secretly pushed the truck from behind, too. This was part of the $2,100 cash presentation to Georgette Chalifoux.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

Georgette Chalifoux could barely contain her emotions for the gift she received from Peavine Bishop Routhier School and Aboriginal Head Start. She attended a ceremony in the gym Nov. 19 and principal Bruce Joudrey presented her $2,100 in cash on behalf of both groups. “I’m really grateful for what you did,” says Chalifoux. “Thank you very much.” Chalifoux has cancer in her left lung, so the school and Head Start held a run for her Oct. 27 and collected pledges. She works for Head Start, but took a week off in late October due to illness. Joudrey said everyone knows someone affected by cancer and the school wanted to hold a run for a local person, which was Chalifoux. “This event was not only significant for Chalifoux, but for the community as a whole,” says Joudrey. “We hope that in the future, similar events will be held to help community members in their time of need.” Peggy McCarthy, a teacher/director for Head Start, hugged Chalifoux during the ceremony and she praises her 13 years of service. “She gives us her creative ability. She’s very artistic and has a very good sense of humour,” says McCarthy. “I want to thank you for running hard and making money for Georgette. We’re really proud of your work.” However, this was not the end, as the students went outside to watch their teachers and others pull a tanker truck. The idea was to choose one person for every $300 raised. The students chose principal Joudrey and three teachers: Gerard Gillis of Grade 5, Kari Luther of Grade 2 and Pam Sware of Grade 7. They also chose Rose Albert, a special education teacher, as well as two special needs assistants, Lorraine Anderson and Helen Gauchier. Children in Head Start chose McCarthy. Lorne L’Hirondelle, an employee of Peavine Metis Settlement, became their anchor on the fire hose used to pull the truck. The snow was falling and the participants endured the freezing temperature. It took several tries, but with another group secretly pushing from the back and encouragement from the students, they finally pulled the truck a few feet. This was not the only run held for Chalifoux. The Journey For Hope was held Nov. 2 and 52 people biked, ran, rollerbladed or walked for three, five or 10 km. Chalifoux will receive the proceeds from this event during a community dinner, although organizer Blair Cunningham must still determine the date.

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