Annual United Way Student Stair Climb draws record number of schools, participants, and dollars raised
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It was loud, it was electric, and it was bigger than ever.
The United Way Oxford Stair Climb on Thursday broke its own record, in more ways than one.
The annual event at the Woodstock Community Complex brought together all seven of Oxford County’s high schools – one more than usual – to run the stairs around the arena and raise money for United Way.
There were 1,350 pairs of feet slapping up and down the concrete steps – more than any year before – and even before they set foot in the complex, those teens had raised a whopping $35,000 (and change).
It’s the highest fundraising total ever in the climb’s 13 years.
“The remarkable students in our community were able to raise over $35,000,” said Shelley Lachapelle, campaign manager with United Way.
She’s motivated by the growth and momentum of the stair climb, even after 13 years, and praised the students for their dedication.
“They are making a difference in our community, and they’re doing it as a collective voice. The dollars are great – but everybody comes with their spirit and their enthusiasm, and they just have a ball,” Lachapelle said.
Students came decked out in face paint, feather boas, hats, and tutus. There are sparkles and glitter galore.
“The best part is dressing up and cheering with the school and all your friends,” said Romy Rotteveel from Woodstock Collegiate Institute.
And cheer they did. The sound is almost deafening when more than a thousand high schoolers pile into the arena.
“It’s the energy,” said campaign co-chair Megan Porter. “It’s an incredible feeling walking out of here. You have energy for days, just feeling the strength they have in the room.”
To no one’s surprise, Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute took home the fundraising prize once again, raising close to $14,000.
“It’s really cool to see the competitions develop between the schools, because that helps to push everybody to do a little more,” Porter said.
But the top prize is a long-held title for the Blue Bombers, and they don’t seem ready to surrender it. IDCI has been crowned the top school every year since the stair climb started.
“There’s so much anticipation for this event. We build it up hugely for at least the month prior,” said IDCI teacher Sue Gunn. “They literally have to buy a seat, because they can’t come if they don’t raise a certain amount.”
This year the school filled eight buses.
“We had exactly 350 kids, almost half our school. It’s amazing,” said Maureen Weller, another teacher. “It’s a tradition now, it’s just become something that IDCI is known for.”
And though the students packing the arena are all about school pride and the fun of the day, they also understand the deeper impacts.
“It’s really about the cause. The money goes back into our community, so that’s really fantastic,” said Tyler Neely, a student at College Avenue Secondary School.
“It’s the biggest number we’ve raised ever, so (I’m) proud of that. I’m just happy to be a part of it, truly.”