A young girl made a difference in the life of others on Nov. 25.
That young girl was Lee-Amber Laderoute and the difference was not only raising funds for cancer research, but shaving her head in order to donate her hair to an organization that produces wigs for those affected by cancer.
Laderoute, who chose to hold the fundraisers on her birthday, said "I chose to do this on my birthday because it occurred to me that it would be nice to give, instead of receive. This is my chance to really do some good in the world, and to get others involved, too."
And give did she ever! Laderoute has been able to raise $2,584.28 thus far through her efforts. "Cancer affects everyone in one way or another. This is the best way to get the money where it is needed most. It [the fundraisers] just seemed like a fun way to raise money while people get to enjoy themselves, a win-win situation."
Those fundraisers included a Penny Sale, Caps for Cancer - held at Carlyle Elementary School and White Bear Education Complex, bottle collections, donation jars, 50/50 draws, and a Sponge Soak Your Teacher event.
The fundraisers, which were held at Gordon F. Kells during the lunch hour, meant the school gymnasium was packed full of students and a whole lot of fun. The lunch hour started with a Sponge Toss which allowed students to throw three sponges at their teachers for each donation of $2. Students lined up to take their turn while teachers and staff members prepared to become soaked.
Teachers and staff members who participated in the Sponge Toss included Principal Maurice Saltel, Vice-Principal Darcy Howe, teachers Dean Zacharius, Donna Beaver, Amy Rutten, Bryce Birch, Lynda Biberdorf, Melissa Sweet and Kevin MacLean, in addition to educational assistant Regi Maher.
Following the Sponge Soak Your Teacher event, teacher Bryce Birch challenged the students to come up with an additional $20 for Lee-Amber's cause. If they did, he would allow a full bucket of water to be poured on him. The students rose to the challenge and followed Birch outside where Lee-Amber, who was assisted by a staff member, 'soaked' one final teacher.
Following the sponge toss was one of the highly anticipated events of the afternoon. Lee-Amber, who had decided to shave her head in order to donate her hair to someone in need, prepared herself for the event where she would find her chin-length hair disappear before her very eyes.
"I was a little nervous. But I knew that it was the right thing to do. I didn't really think of how it would be afterwards. I was a little concerned about how cold I would be, but if anything I just feel refreshed."
"My entire family was there to support me. And my friends were there as well. My sister was right next to me through the ordeal. And all the students and teachers were right there, and it felt like we were all one big family, even people I'd never even met before. And everyone sang Happy Birthday to me afterwards. It was amazing."
"At first I thought she was kidding around," said Christine Laderoute, Lee-Amber's mother. "But I soon realized how serious she was about the whole thing. It didn't take long for me to realize what a great idea it was, and how proud I am of her and all of her efforts. I think it's great to help when help is needed. What a great way to teach empathy not only kids, but to everyone."
Margaret Hill, manager of the southeast unit of the Saskatchewan division of the Canadian Cancer Society said, "When we first heard of Lee Amber's fundraiser, we were amazed that a 12-year-old would just wake up one morning and make a conscious decision to shave her head and set up fundraisers to help cancer patients and their families. After meeting Lee Amber, she might have just turned 13, but she is way beyond her years in knowledge and caring for others."
"Our youth are leaders of tomorrow and I see Lee Amber as a great leader in the coming years. What a birthday gift Lee Amber has given - the gift of giving. Thank you Lee Amber."
As for Lee-Amber's favourite part of the afternoon? "The sponge toss was a blast, but the best part was dumping an entire bucket of water on Mr. Birch. You rock Mr. Birch!" And her favourite part of the fundraising process? "Seeing how generous people can be. Everyone helped in their own way, by donating prizes, money, time or just their support."
"I think the day was fantastic. I think people were very generous, and that people enjoyed themselves. Not to mention all the money we raised. Who can complain about that?"
"I would like to thank the businesses who donated prizes, and those who let us sell our tickets in their stores. A big thank you goes out to the teachers of G.F.K., my friends and family. I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you so much."
The money raised for the Canadian Cancer Society goes towards a number of areas including "funding research to outsmart cancer, empowering and informing Canadians living with cancer, supporting Canadians living with cancer, doing everything we can to prevent cancer, advocating for a healthy Canada and rallying Canadians to get involved."
Anyone interested in organizing a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society can contact the regional office at 842-8080 or go to the website www.cancer.ca and click on Fundraise for Life.
