Looking for a fun, sweet and easy way to support CancerCare this fall?
This October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) and November (Men’s Health Awareness Month), Carman Collegiate is selling chocolate moustaches and donating the proceeds to Boundary Trails CancerCare — an organization that has touched the lives of many at the school.
In 2021, one staff member was diagnosed with colon cancer. A year later, principal Mary Reimer was diagnosed with breast cancer. She launched the fundraiser in support of her dear friend and colleague and continued to sell the moustaches when she began treatment.
Since its inaugural year, Carman Collegiate has received overwhelming community support, raising more than $51,000.
“People are social creatures by nature, and so knowing that I have the support of staff, students and other stakeholders is amazing,” Reimer said. “So many people have come forward asking me how they can help, and this level of support goes to show how community-minded we are in Carman and the surrounding area.”
Moustaches cost $2 each and come in eight flavours. The coating is donated by OMG! Chocolates and includes Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Skor, Cookies and Cream, Peppermint Bark, Reese’s Pieces and Candy Cane.
Community members can order their chocolate moustaches by calling the school at 204-745-2001 or emailing Reimer at mreimer@g.prsdmb.ca. Orders are typically filled quickly, and individuals will be contacted when their order is ready for pickup.
The school has set this year’s fundraising goal at $15,000 for Boundary Trails CancerCare. Students have also been given a few fun incentives.
Along with bragging rights, Reimer and another staff member have agreed to dye their hair outrageous colours if class targets are met. Prizes will also be awarded to top-selling students.
While the exact targets are still being determined, Reimer hopes it becomes a friendly competition among students and staff in support of a cause that affects everyone.
“Statistics currently show that 50 per cent of people will be diagnosed during their lifetime and that younger and younger people are being diagnosed,” she said.
For Reimer, Boundary Trails CancerCare is the reason she was able to return to the job she loves.
“CancerCare at Boundary Trails is my literal and figurative lifeline, and I still go for appointments every three months,” she said. “While there, I’m getting the lifesaving care that I need, and the doctors, nurses and volunteers are all so caring and compassionate. I feel like they know me as a person rather than just a patient.”
Another Carman Collegiate fundraiser will take place Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Carman Legion. Parent Advisory Council (PAC) members are teaming up with Legion volunteers to host an afternoon of bingo featuring a $300 jackpot and more than $600 in prizes.
PAC chair Tamara Yeo said she’s excited to bring the event back after regular sessions stopped during the pandemic.
“Everyone — 18 and over — is welcome, and I encourage everyone to come out and have some fun with us,” she said. “It’s a great and affordable way to spend an afternoon.”
Proceeds will go toward Carman Collegiate’s general supply fund. Yeo said the money will likely help with ongoing projects such as replacing Grade 6 Chromebooks, repairing a soccer net and purchasing new basketballs and outdoor equipment for students.
Doors open at noon, with early bird games starting at 1:30 p.m. Regular and monster bingo games will follow, with a variety of cards available for purchase.
The concession will be open, selling sandwiches, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
“This is a great chance to mingle, socialize and visit with others in the community — and, of course, have a chance at winning a prize,” Yeo said. “All of this makes for a great afternoon out with friends.”
