After receiving devastating news that a teammate had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, King’s Edgehill School (KES) student-athletes Artem Dorofeev and Jack Sangster have pledged to raise money for Childcan, the Childhood Cancer Research Association.
“Jack and I were determined to make a lasting impact in our final year of hockey before moving up to the junior level. We wanted to involve our entire team in making a difference, so we’re raising money to support Childcan, the Childhood Cancer Research Association, as a unified group,” said Dorofeev.
The duo has set up a GoFundMe link and are personally contributing to the cause by donating 15 cents for every shot on goal their team records during games this season, as well as collecting donations at home games.
A member of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) East U18 division, KES has played 11 CSSHL games, and has raised $298 so far. Dorofeev and Sangster have set a goal of $1,000, putting them more than a quarter of the way there.
“We chose Childcan, the Childhood Cancer Research Association, with the goal of raising awareness and funds to support children battling cancer, striving to make even an incremental difference in their lives with their entire futures ahead,” added Sangster.
Inspired by the success of their Childcan fundraiser and the involvement of their teammates, Dorofeev and Sangster set out to expand their efforts to honour Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
They organized a school-wide ‘Pink Day’, which extended into a ‘Pink in the Rink’ night that was complete with pink tape, laces, and student section and raised more than $600. “Through both our Breast Cancer and Childcan initiatives, we not only raised funds but also spread awareness throughout our international student body. The overwhelming school-wide and hockey community involvement made our efforts truly impactful,” said Sangster.
“Artem and Jack have been true leaders in their efforts to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. Their idea for a pink in the rink game was awesome! They were able to rally the whole student body to come out and support the cause,” said KES Program Coordinator and Head Coach Zack MacQueen. Artem an Jack wanted to make a true difference in the world during their graduating year here at KES, and they should be proud of the work they have done off the ice!”
Dorofeev and Sangster encourage everyone to take a moment to learn about Childcan, a charity that provides financial assistance, emotional support, and social programs for families affected by childhood cancer, in addition to research funding.
