Students at St. Michael’s School are jumping rope and raising funds to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation, aiming to hit a $2,000 goal this May. After raising triple their target last year, excitement is high for this year’s campaign.
Students at St. Michael’s School in Pincher Creek are lacing up their runners and jumping into action this May for the annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The school’s campaign kicked off May 1, as students began learning ways to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke later in their lives, while also raising funds for life-saving research. The campaign wraps up with a Jump Event Day on Friday, May 23, when students will show off what they’ve learned while celebrating their fundraising efforts.
After a hiatus, the school participated in the fundraising campaign last year, setting a goal of $1,000. After blowing that goal out of the water by raising roughly $3,000, the students are aiming to raise $2,000 this year.
Dominique Plouffe-Chandler, a teacher at St. Michael’s and the event co-ordinator, says the students are excited and passionate about the fundraiser.
“Jump Rope for Heart has always been a super fun event for our students. They enjoy getting active and they really like the idea that they’re helping others,” she says.
“Some of our students have even shared with us that they know someone who’s been affected by heart disease or stroke, which makes the fundraiser more personal and meaningful for them.”
To raise funds, students will ask friends, family, neighbours and other members of the community to sponsor their efforts by making a donation online. Participants can set up a personal fundraising page through the Jump Rope for Heart webpage to track their progress and work toward the donation goals.
Leading up to the culmination of their efforts on May 23, classrooms ranging from kindergarten to Grade 6 will spend the next few weeks promoting healthy habits and daily physical exercise and activities.
Students in kindergarten to Grade 6 at St. Michael’s are invited to participate in the Jump Event Day, while some older students are expected to volunteer to run activity stations and cheer on their young peers.
“This event is about more than just fundraising,” says Dominique. “It’s a great opportunity to teach our students about heart health and the importance of physical activity. We incorporate lessons on healthy habits into our classes, so students are learning while also having fun.”
Jump Rope for Heart has been promoting heart and brain health in Canadian schools for over 40 years, teaching kids how to build healthy habits while making a meaningful impact in their communities. In 2023 alone, roughly 880,000 students across the country took part.
The money raised goes directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, supporting medical research and breakthroughs that help save lives.
“The students are very excited, and we’ve already seen a lot of enthusiasm. We’re hopeful that with the support of our school community, we can reach our goal,” Dominique says.
To support the campaign online, visit jumpropeforheart.crowdchange.ca/81479. Donors can choose to contribute to the school or to a specific student’s fundraising page to help them reach their goal.
Cali Goodfellow has a joyful time in the 2024 Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser at St. Michael’s School in Pincher Creek.
Photos by Dominique Plouffe-Chandler
Checotah Provost and Ashlyn McKenzie dance with glee at the 2024 Jump Event Day.
Juan Lazo and Allison Bertteoi catch some air at last year’s Jump Rope for Heart event. Students raised about $3,000.
