Lockerby students canvas Sudbury to raise money for cancer research
Annual Laura Cotesta Memorial Cancer Drive raises money for Northern Cancer Centre
Hundreds of Sudbury students will be knocking on doors tonight as part of a annual drive to collect donations for the Laura Cotesta Memorial Cancer Drive.
Cotesta was diagnosed with cancer in 1987 while still in high school. She died about 10 years after she graduated. Every year since then, students from Lockery Composite School, where Cotesta attended, have been raising money for cancer research.
Current Lockerby student Lauren-Ashleigh Beaudry said she was first introduced to the drive when she was in elementary school. She started taking part when she was in grade six.
"I was very young," she said. "It was very intimidating to go out without with all the older students. But it was also very fun because everyone was very welcoming and everyone was very excited about the drive."
Student Sydnie Stinson said the money goes to the Northern Cancer Centre, with a focus on care for children. She said when Laura was battling cancer, she often had to go to Toronto for treatment.
"[Laura] was really hoping that kids that were going through the things that she did, could have a better sense of home and be treated in Sudbury," she said.
"The $800,000 that we have raised has gone towards the pediatrics centre in Sudbury."
Beaudry said she never had the chance to meet Laura, but said her story continues to inspire students.
"I think today she'd be very thrilled of all that we've been doing for her and the drive."
Students will be collecting donations between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. tonight. The school board said students will be wearing identifiable ribbons and issuing receipts for every donation.