Yellowknife (Oct 04/06) - With this year's Run for Our Lives finished, Harley Lang has a goal for 2007: to raise $10,000.

The Grade 6 student from William McDonald middle school is a champion fund-raiser, collecting $4,700 and helping his school raise a whopping $26,900 this year.

William McDonald school students, from left, Ashley Sangris-Chapple, Dana Harris and Paulina Ross carry the banner for their school at the Run for Our Lives run held on Sunday. Their school raised $26,900. - Jessica Klinkenberg/NNSL photo

Lang's efforts and those of 100 of his school-mates helped push Sunday's Yellowknife run to a record $116,000.

Once funds are in from four other NWT communities, Run marketing director Kathy Fibish Mercure said organizers hope to have raised $200,000.

Run for Our Lives raises money for breast cancer programs, services and equipment in the NWT. Some of the money also goes to national research programs.

Lang said he has a personal reason to take part.

"My Auntie Brenda died of breast cancer three years ago," he said.

Last year, Harley collected $3,185. His mother Patty Lang also raised funds.

"I started doing it four years ago. When he saw what he could do, he took part as well."

Of his accomplishments Harley said that he was "really proud, very happy."

He also walked away with a video camera as top youth fund-raiser.

"I want to raise $10,000 next year."

William McDonald won the prize for top school fundraiser. About one-third of the school's 300 students helped raise funds.

"We talked a little about breast cancer and what it does," said Yolande Allain, a French immersion teacher. "We talked about representing ourselves in our community."

She said students went door-to-door and beyond to raise money.

"They also contacted their families across Canada."

"I didn't really see a reason not to (be in the event)," said Kim Haisler, a Grade 8 student at William McDonald.

Allain said that while the youth may not fully understand breast cancer now, they will one day.

"It's when they turn 15 that it'll impact them. This is just the first steps to making them aware that (breast cancer) exists."

Fibish Mercure said organizers are pleased with this year's effort.

"Last year we raised $187,000 (in the NWT). We're hoping this year we'll make $200,000. But we won't know until the end of October."

One of approximately 500 people who took part Sunday was Teegan Rendell, who said she was touched by breast cancer four years ago.

"For my Aunt Linda," she said of why she was running. "And so I don't have to deal with it in the future."

Service Canada employees Kathy Brown and Dolores Lee said they were motivated to take part when a co-worker was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"You feel helpless, and (the walk) just gives you a way to help," Brown said. "It's really powerful when you get into the run and are surrounded by everyone."