On April 7, 2026, St. Charles College (SCC) was honoured as a top donor in support of cancer care with the presentation of a diamond on the donor wall at the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre at Health Sciences North (HSN), recognizing the school’s achievement of a $100,000 giving milestone. 

This significant accomplishment is driven largely by the ongoing efforts of SCC’s Student Leadership Committee through its annual Cards Crush Cancer event. Now entering its eighth year, the carnival‑style fundraiser has become a cornerstone of the school’s commitment to supporting patients and families receiving cancer care in Northern Ontario. The next Card Crush Cancer event will take place this May. 

“On behalf of HSN Foundation, we are so proud to celebrate St. Charles College and their incredibly generous support over the years,” said Chelsea Parent, Community Engagement specialist with the HSN Foundation. “Through initiatives like Cards Crush Cancer and so many others, their school community has helped raise vital funds to enhance cancer care for patients close to home. We truly rely on the support of our community to fund essential equipment and advance research, and we are so grateful for everything they’ve done. Reaching the $100,000 milestone is an outstanding achievement and a reflection of their compassion, leadership, and commitment to making a difference.”  

Students also participated in a guided tour of the centre, where they were introduced to specialized equipment and materials used daily in cancer care at Health Sciences North. Through hands‑on demonstrations, students gained a deeper understanding of how their fundraising efforts directly support patient treatment, reinforcing the meaningful contribution they continue to make to cancer care in the region. 

Students involved in the initiative reflected on the significance of the milestone and the meaningful role their efforts play in supporting cancer care within the community. 

“This is huge, in my opinion, to have raised this much money,” said Alexa Roy, a Grade 12 student at SCC. “Being recognized by HSN shows all of us that our hard work has gone toward an amazing cause and made a meaningful contribution.” 

“This means a lot to me personally because my grandmother went through cancer,” said Max Larch, a Grade 9 student. “Being here and helping raise this money shows that we can support so many people who are facing the same thing.”  

School leadership also emphasized the deeper significance of the achievement, noting how the Cards Crush Cancer initiative reflects the values, faith, and sense of service that define the St. Charles College community. Principal Aaron Barry praised both students and staff for their ongoing dedication to stewardship and meaningful engagement. 

“I am continually inspired by the students of St. Charles College and the meaningful strides they continue to make within our community,” said Mr. Barry.  

“Their care, dedication, and sense of responsibility are evident in the way they consistently show up and invest their time, energy, and leadership into initiatives like Card Crush Cancer. Year after year, our students are not engaged by chance, but through a deep commitment to stewardship and service that reflects who we are as a Catholic school community.” 

“This is made possible by the incredible educators who lead by example and demonstrate what it means to be a leader, an engaged community member, and truly, what it means to be a Cardinal. I extend my sincere gratitude to Mrs. J. Demore, Mrs. Montgomery, and Mrs. Humphrey for their dedication in helping our students reach this remarkable achievement.” 

At the board level, Director of Education, Morris Hucal, highlighted how the collective efforts of students, educators, and school communities across Sudbury Catholic continue to foster compassion beyond the classroom. 

“In a world where cancer continues to impact so many lives, the call to serve others has never been more important. It is deeply moving to see our students and staff within the Sudbury Catholic District School Board respond with such compassion and purpose,” said Mr. Hucal.  

“Having St. Charles College recognized on the donor wall at Health Sciences North is an extraordinary honour for our entire Catholic school community. This milestone is a powerful testament to our students’ faith in action, as they live out the Catholic Graduate Expectations by leading with empathy, service, and a profound commitment to the dignity of every person. Their efforts remind us of the incredible difference young people can make when they are guided by faith, goodwill, and a strong desire to serve others. Well done St. Charles College!” 

For more information on the Cards Crush Cancer Campaign, visit https://www.sudburycatholicschools.ca/blog/2025/05/28/the-story-behind-cards-crush-cancer-a-tradition-of-heart-hope-and-community-at-scc/.  

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