Group of students standing on a paved walkway holding large poster banners covered in red-and-white squares, with bold text “NO MATTER WHAT” and smaller cursive writing beneath.

Students and staff at Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School and Regional Arts Centre came together on Sept. 29 to honour Terry Fox’s legacy and raise $4,500 for the Terry Fox Foundation.

The school’s student council, leadership class and leadership club organized a Terry Fox Walk, beginning the day with an assembly in the gym focused on Fox’s story and his efforts to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Students also heard from Domenico Meleca, a former Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) student and Terry Fox ambassador who was diagnosed with the same type of cancer as Fox.

Meleca shared a message of determination, resilience and courage, emphasizing the importance of hope.

Following the assembly, the school community took part in a walk along the lake. Upon returning to the school, students placed “I Run For” stickers on a banner, which is now displayed in the school’s atrium.

The banner serves as a reminder of Fox’s goal and the importance of continuing his work by supporting cancer research.

The event brought together students, staff and school leaders to honour Fox’s legacy while supporting the ongoing fight against cancer.

For the Redmond community, the walk was also a reflection of the importance of life, faith and the belief that people working together can make a difference.

A person in a black outfit speaks at a wooden gymnasium podium with a microphone, while a crowd sits and watches; a basketball hoop and red school banners line the back wall.Two people standing outdoors holding bright yellow signs with handwritten messages about their running journey, including “I’m Running,” “No Matter What,” and “Before starting his cross-canada journey, Terry Fox ran over 5,300 miles in training.”Seven people stand together in matching gray T-shirts in an office lobby, smiling in front of a banner that reads “Terry set a goal every day, NO MATTER WHAT.”Students in navy polo shirts and plaid skirts walk toward the camera on a campus lawn, with a modern multi-story building and glass windows in the background.