Students at Merritt Central Elementary School still had envelopes to count Monday when they tallied over $3,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon during the school’s Jump Rope for Heart.
The school was one of many that participated in the week-long fundraising campaign.
“It’s such a great event to have because it not only helps raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, it also stays in line with the idea of exercising so that you have a healthy heart,” said Trent Dolgopol, school principal. “Part of all this is about teaching students to have a healthy life.”
Dolgopol dyed his hair pink to recognize the students’ effort to raise at least $3,000.
One student was even able to raise $300.
According to Kyra Prevost, Grade 3, she doesn’t know what is more fun, raising the money or skipping.
“They are both so much fun,” she said. “I asked my family for donations and I raised $58.”
The Jump Rope for Heart event has been held at Central for almost 20 years. Fifteen years ago, the students at the school raised roughly $10,000.
This year’s event started on April 20 and ended on Friday.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, only seven per cent of Canadian children are meeting the recommended 60 minutes of moderate or intense exercise each day.
The money raised goes towards health education, strokes research and heart disease treatment.
