A penny really does go far.
Students at Tyson elementary raised approximately $2,800 – in just four days – for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada's Pennies for Patients campaign. The majority of which came in the form of copper pennies.
"We had 200 kilograms, mostly in pennies," said principal Chuck Bloch, who used a Brinks truck to ship out the donations last week.
"I was shocked, I was expecting maybe $500."
But when it comes to cancer, even elementary aged kids can relate.
"When I told the kids about this at the assembly, they were pretty quiet, because they understood," said Bloch. "A lot of them have connected to somebody who has had cancer."
Within a day of starting the campaign, students were already handing in donation boxes full of pennies. By the fourth day, Bloch couldn't move the lot, it was so heavy.
Pennies for Patients is a service and philanthropy program for students to help in the fight against blood cancers such as leukemia. Since 1994, millions of dollars have been raised in pennies and other spare change by more than 10 million elementary, middle and high school students throughout Canada.
"It gives students a broader perspective that the world isn't just about them," said Bloch. "It was a nice way for us to end the school year."
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