IGLULIK - Staff and students at Iglulik’s Attaguttaaluk Elementary School participated in a Terry Fox Run on Sept. 25, which was modified to accommodate the younger students at the school, according to vice principal Fred Saunders.

Students at Ataguttaaluk Elementary School in Iglulik are led around town by members of the RCMP during the Terry Fox Walk on Sept. 25. - photo courtesy of Fred Saunders

The "run" aspect was tailored to ensure all grades could participate, Saunders said. Instead of running throughout the community, staff and students walked.

"We have to keep in mind our smaller students," he said. Every grade from kindergarten to Grade 7 took part in the annual event.

Not only did students participate, many other members of the school community including custodial staff took part as well. Teachers who didn’t go on the walk stayed behind to prepare hot chocolate and snacks for the returning participants, Saunders said.

Saunders said the weather in the community wasn’t ideal due to snow and rain, but it didn’t diminish the determination of the participants.

"The weather didn’t co-operate, but it didn’t dampen our spirits one bit," Saunders said. Grade 7 student Fatima Awan agreed.

"It went great even though it was a little windy and the snow was in people’s faces," she said.

It was the third time Awan participated in the event, she said, adding the legacy Terry Fox left behind is important to remember.

"I think it’s important because people should know what he has done," Awan said. "It also shows people how important it is to care about others."

Students and staff left the main entrance of the school around 2:30 p.m. and made their way through the community before returning at around 3 p.m.

Participants were then treated to hot chocolate with marshmallows and cookies, Saunders said.

Usually participants in a Terry Fox Run are sponsored to raise money to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation, but that was also modified in order to make sure even the youngest members of the school community could take part, Saunders said.

Instead of requiring students to be sponsored to raise money, the school will make a donation to the Terry Fox run on behalf of students and staff, Saunders said.

Saunders said the school will donate approximately $200.