Run For the Cure

13 October 2012Mollie G '13

Brentwood is a busy place. Students learn to master the knack of juggling academics, rugby, soccer, tennis, painting, pottery, varsity training, chemistry homework, English essays, friends and the occasional rushed phone calls home exclaiming “YES MOM I’M DOING FINE!” Ask any Brentonian about their sacred Sundays and they will tell you with great conviction that it is a day to relax, unwind, call mom and sleep in.

Sunday, October 1st marked the annual Run For the Cure and over 270 Brentwood students gladly sacrificed their Sunday morning sleep-in and rolled out of bed at 7am to attend. Fall was evidently upon us and the campus was frivolously covered in frost. Even the ocean seemed to strut a gentle chill and yet the sunshine was swiveling through the frosty morning. The cafeteria was buzzing with early risers eager to get going, and the not-so-morning people who seemed to have troubles taking down a few gulps of OJ while their eyes were still half-shut. Either way, Crooks Hall echoed with squeaky running shoes sliding on the floor with excitement and hope.

By the time we arrived at UVIC, our cozy sweaters and track pants that had been heating up our spirits were happily stripped off, and flooding into the crowds of thousands, we joined the array of pink. By 9:00am, an engaging aerobics themed warm-up and a stroll to the starting line had people warm and ready to run. Amongst the choices of activities were a 1km walk, 5k walk, 1km run and 5km run. These promised a participation opportunity for everyone.

Upon crossing the finish line, chocolate milk was to be a reoccurring topic of conversation amongst the eager kids of Brentwood. A challenge to raise $15,000 was accompanied by a promise made by our new Head of School, Mr. Patel, to have chocolate milk served in the cafeteria ever Friday at lunchtime.

Boy, was that ever a motivator.

Raising over $17,000, Brentwood received the “School Team Challenge Award” as the top fundraising school team at the Victoria event and gracefully earned the right to chocolate milk. YUM!

The event finished with a touching survivor parade and had us swarming back onto the buses, and back to school. With bursting smiles and fulfilled hearts it was time to fill our empty stomachs with one of Brentwood’s Sunday delicacies: brunch. It was a beautiful morning to share with friends, raise awareness of a valuable cause, and still have plenty of time to call our precious mommies.

A HUGE thanks to Mrs. Felix and SPARC President Raveena K who organized all of Brentwood’s involvement in Run for the Cure – We couldn’t have done it without you!

Mollie G, ‘13

Where Students Choose To Be