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Sylvan youngster raised thousands for cancer research

A Sylvan Lake youngster has proved that a simple gesture can reap extraordinary benefits.
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Regan Lynn

A Sylvan Lake youngster has proved that a simple gesture can reap extraordinary benefits.

Reuben Braitenback, a Grade 5 student at C. P. Blakely School, shaved his head in support of Canadian Cancer Society during a month-end assembly at the community centre last Friday.

In doing so, he raised an astonishing $2,616.55 in donations Ñ all of which were donated to the society.

“We put a link on Facebook for it, so people could donate there, and then people could just come to my house and drop off money,” he said.

Braitenback began the fundraising campaign in light of his grandfather’s recent passing due to cancer.

Reuben’s mother Jenny, speaking at the assembly, noted his family were “incredibly proud” of him. She felt his grandfather would have also been “proud and happy to know you are making a difference to help others”.

Nancy Kumm, revenue development co-ordinator for Canadian Cancer Society, was on hand to receive Braitenback’s donation, and said it, and others like it made by youths eager to make a difference, go toward the Cancer Society’s programs and services, such as financial assistance for those battling cancer.

“It’s amazing that these kids are doing this,” she said.

Mostly, the youngsters come up with fundraising ideas on their own, she added.

“It’s the kids that have initiated it, and gone to their parents and said, this is what I want to do.”

Braitenback’s hair was cut by Corina Brown, his grandfather’s favourite barber, and Regan Lynn, Braitenback’s teacher at C. P. Blakely School.