Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Community

Festive run raises $1,700 for Clements Centre in Duncan

Queen Margaret’s School helped make 2021 record breaking year
Black Press Media
27891263_web1_220127-CCI-QMS-Clements-cheque-cheque_1
David Robertson of Queen Margaret’s School, right, presents a cheque for more than $1,700 to the Clements Centre from a fundraising run before Christmas. (Photo courtesy of QMS)

Queen Margaret’s School joined forces with the Clements Centre before Christmas in a successful fundraiser that raised more than $1,700 for the charity.

David Robertson, Head of School at QMS, presented representatives of Clements Centre for Families with the big cheque in January. The funds will be used to enhance Clements’ programs and services for people with diverse abilities, helping to bring hope, belonging, and independence to many in Cowichan.

Students, staff, caregivers, and friends of QMS joined forces this past holiday season, enjoying festive fun and a healthy run in the fresh air. This was the first time QMS partnered with Clements Centre for Families, combining their individual holiday events — QMS’ Annual Jingle Bell Jog and Clements’ Run for the Claus — into one festive and exuberant fundraiser, with appearances by the Grinch and even Santa Claus himself.

“The Jingle Bell Jog and The Run for the Claus belong together and this year’s event was a real highlight for the staff and students of QMS. We look forward to greatly expanding this partnership with the Clements Centre and to continue our support of their admirable work,” said Robertson.

Long-time Run for the Claus organizers, Alan Crisp and daughter Chantal Clark, are grateful for the opportunity to spread holiday cheer and community awareness with the QMS community.

“Our goal over the years with this run is really to see the smiles on all of the participants’ faces, and at Queen Margaret’s there were many, many smiles,” said Crisp and Clark. “Thank you to everyone — staff, students, and guardians — for a very successful event!”

Following the cancellation of the 2020 event due to COVID-19 restrictions, Clements Centre’s Run for the Claus shifted to a virtual event this year, encouraging participants to run, walk, or shuffle 3.5 or 6 kilometres within their bubbles, in support of people with diverse abilities. Despite the change in format, the event raised more than $6,000, including the contributions by the QMS community, making it a record-breaking year.