J.T. Foster Community Raises $17,000 in Relay for Life

The J.T. Foster High School community in Nanton has long been involved in raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society through Relay for Life. In 2023, the J.T. Foster team raised over $8,000. Last year that number was $13,000. But it was nothing compared to this year’s Relay for Life fundraising.

“This year, we had one of our own grade 12 students diagnosed with stage four Lymphoma,” says J.T. Foster Grade 12 student Zoe Krahulic, speaking of classmate Lucas Marchbank. “This really spurred the interest of our school body, as Lucas is one of the most kind and friendly people in the school. I think that a lot of us wanted to make a difference. Our community really came together and helped us raise over $17,000 during our event.”

That incredible dollar amount will go to the Canadian Cancer Society to help fund research, provide compassion and support for those affected by cancer, and promote health policies to prevent cancer.

Lucas Marchbank, who was diagnosed earlier this year, and his family are amazed at the outpouring of support from the Nanton community. Lucas’ mother, Candi Marchbank, expressed her  gratitude. “We have always known our community is a great place to live and raise a family,” she says, “and we feel fortunate to have been able to send our kids to such a tight-knit school. The amount of support Lucas has received from the staff and students is a beautiful testament to how amazing the community and families that live here are. We are so proud of all the students who took part in the fundraising efforts to achieve such a large amount of dollars raised for cancer research and are thankful to all those who donated as well!”

As part of the student leadership group at the school, Krahulic is inspired by this event. “I have planned, with the help of Student Leadership, this event for three years in a row,” she says. “This event in particular really stood out to me. Not only is it my last event as a graduating senior, but it also really meant a lot that this event was so successful. I have lost family members to cancer, and am at higher risk myself. So, the hope that the event brought to me and my family this year was incredible.”

Students went door to door for donations, asked families to contribute, and encouraged local businesses to get involved. Feeling the power of community, students showed an unprecedented commitment to raise funds for this year's relay.

“Relay for Life is a powerful testament to the heart and spirit of J.T. Foster High School,” says Principal Jason MacDonald. “This year, our student leadership team has gone above and beyond, raising over $17,000 for cancer research. This is an incredible achievement that reflects their dedication, compassion, and drive to make a real difference. We couldn’t be prouder of the student commitment and the example they’ve set for our entire school community. As the school principal, I feel privileged to be working with such strong student leadership."