High School Raises $100K for Cancer Care in 8 Years

Students throwing beanbags and playing carnival games have raised enough money to fund lifesaving cancer equipment for an entire region.

St. Charles College in Sudbury, Ontario hit the $100,000 milestone on April 7, 2026, earning recognition on the donor wall at the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre. The achievement came almost entirely from Cards Crush Cancer, an annual carnival-style fundraiser organized by the school's Student Leadership Committee.

The event is now heading into its eighth year, with the next fundraiser scheduled for May. What started as a simple student initiative has become a cornerstone of cancer care funding in Northern Ontario.

Chelsea Parent, Community Engagement Specialist with the HSN Foundation, celebrated the school's impact. "We truly rely on the support of our community to fund essential equipment and advance research," she said. "Reaching the $100,000 milestone is an outstanding achievement and a reflection of their compassion, leadership, and commitment to making a difference."

Students toured the cancer center to see exactly where their money goes. They watched demonstrations of specialized equipment their fundraising purchased and learned how the machines help treat patients every day.

The tour made the impact personal for many students. "This is huge, in my opinion, to have raised this much money," said Grade 12 student Alexa Roy. "Being recognized by HSN shows all of us that our hard work has gone toward an amazing cause."

For Grade 9 student Max Larch, the cause hits close to home. "This means a lot to me personally because my grandmother went through cancer," he said. "Being here and helping raise this money shows that we can support so many people who are facing the same thing."

The Ripple Effect

The fundraiser's impact extends far beyond the dollar amount. Principal Aaron Barry noted how the initiative shapes young leaders who understand their power to create change.

"Year after year, our students are not engaged by chance, but through a deep commitment to stewardship and service," Barry said. He credited teachers Mrs. J. Demore, Mrs. Montgomery, and Mrs. Humphrey for mentoring students through the massive undertaking.

Director of Education Morris Hucal emphasized how the students demonstrate faith in action. "This milestone is a powerful testament to our students' faith in action, as they live out the Catholic Graduate Expectations by leading with empathy, service, and a profound commitment to the dignity of every person," he said.

The cancer center now serves patients across Northern Ontario with equipment purchased through community donations like these. Every carnival game, bake sale, and fundraising effort from St. Charles students has helped bring advanced cancer treatment closer to home for families who would otherwise need to travel hundreds of miles.

One hundred thousand dollars raised, one carnival game at a time, by students who decided cancer patients in their community deserved their best effort.