Accompanied by a larger than life cut out of Canadian hero Terry Fox, students, parents, and faculty of the German International School Toronto proudly walked from their school, situated on the corner of Dufferin and Bloor, to Dufferin Grove Park, over the noon hour to participate in the Terry Fox Run. As a small but determined German School Abroad, they rallied around this most worthy cause by raising over a remarkable $2,700 for cancer research. The donation was presented by their student representative Nelly K. to Krista Mather, the Terry Fox Foundation’s representative on hand. The event was given extra significance by the presence of Ms. D. Schadt, Germany’s First Lady and partner of German President, Joachim Gauck, both of whom were on a state visit to Canada. Ms. Schadt gave a heartfelt speech about the generosity of Canadians, their welcoming nature, and desire to help others in need. She immersed herself into the crowd of children congratulating them on their efforts, speaking with them at some length, and distributing certificates of participation. Ms. Schadt concluded the ceremonies with a donation to the Terry Fox Foundation, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, accompanied by a poignant emotional embrace of Terry Fox Foundation representative, Ms. Mather. Principal Mark Benkelmann concluded that, “We are all running with Terry today and his Marathon of Hope is a living memory!” He stressed the importance of the German International School Toronto’s participation in such culturally significant Canadian events as critical to the connections his school makes within the society it exists in and engages with. “Terry’s legacy means a great deal to all of us, regardless of where we come from and where we are now. As a German school, in the city of Toronto, we take pride in running this marathon together with thousands of Canadians, trying to reach the Pacific Ocean one day.”
