Now, schools can get involved on a different timeline
“The program is an excellent chance for more schools to get involved with the fundraiser with flexibility”. Remarks Director of Operations, Anandita Shah
The Ben Stelter School Fundraiser (BSSF) is expanding its reach with the launch of a new spring program, giving more schools the opportunity to take part in supporting its mission.
Since launching in 2023 as a single-school initiative, the fundraiser has grown rapidly, expanding to 50 Edmonton schools in just three years.
This spring, more schools will raise funds through creative initiatives, supporting the establishment of the Ben Stelter Centre for Proton Therapy and Neurosciences, Canada’s first proton therapy facility.
However, supporting cancer treatment isn’t the only reason for schools to participate. There’s also the opportunity to earn incentives through the fundraiser.
Similar to the fall campaign, every $1000 a school raises earns them an additional ballot in the McDavid draw.
One participating school is selected through this draw to receive a special visit from Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid. Last year’s winner was Allendale School, which won with only a 1.8% chance.
The visit gives students the opportunity to hear from McDavid and interact with one of the NHL’s top players.
So how does the spring program differ from the one run in the fall? Donations are collected in the same way, either online through each school’s donation page or through in-person cash donations at the schools.
The main distinction applies to schools that choose to participate exclusively in the spring. While this option is available, these schools are not eligible for fall-based awards such as Most Money Raised or Best Marketing Campaign.
Spring-only participants will still have access to support from the BSSF team when needed. However, the full support system, including in-person visits and leadership resources, is reserved for the fall campaign.
For schools participating in both the spring and fall programs, the funds raised will be combined for the McDavid draw, increasing chances considerably. These schools can support the BSSF through spring initiatives, before launching a full campaign in the fall with access to the complete support system.
When asked about the benefits of the spring program, Anandita Shah, Director of Operations, remarks, “The program is an excellent chance for more schools to get involved with the fundraiser with flexibility”.
These accommodations allow schools to participate without being limited by timing constraints, helping expand the fundraiser’s overall reach.
Expansion remains a key focus for the BSSF this year, with the team more than doubling in size.
The introduction of the spring program, supported by both new team members and experienced leadership, is expected to further increase participation.
After a record-breaking 50 schools took part last year, the number of participating schools is expected to continue rising.
“It’s an innovative way to develop creative campaigns without the limitations of the fall program”, Shah adds.
Early examples of these campaigns are already emerging,with W.P Wagner’s “Wagathon” joining the spring program, which couldn’t have been possible within the constraints of the fall campaign.
Schools with creative and motivated student communities are expected to bring increased awareness and support to the BSSF, helping move the fundraiser closer to its goal of advancing proton beam therapy in Canada.
The new spring program will be a key development to watch as more schools continue to register.
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