Ben Stelter Foundation

Proton beam therapy!

Where is the money going?

The Ben Stelter Foundation is working hard to bring Proton Beam Therapy to Canada for the first time. Did you know that Canada is the only G8 Country that doesn't have this type of advanced Cancer Treatment? Every year, many Albertans have to travel to the United States for Proton Therapy. The funds raised from the School Fundraiser will be invested into the Ben Stelter Center for Proton Therapy and Neurosciences. You can be proud to personally help bring Proton Therapy to Canada by taking part in the School Fundraiser! Click here to learn more!

BSSF 2025 Prizes

McDavid Prize

Driven to lead award

For every $1,000 raised in the fundraiser, your school will receive a ballot, and these will be placed in a draw to win a visit from the legend, Connor McDavid, to your school. The student leaders from the winning school will also each receive a signed Connor McDavid jersey.

Driven to lead award

The two student leaders from the same school who demonstrate the best communication skills, compassion, empathy, and teamwork will each receive an invitation to the McDavid assembly, a photo with Connor McDavid, and a VIP Edmonton Elks Suite Experience.

Most raised money

Best marketing campaign

A free pizza lunch, courtesy of Boston Pizza, will be awarded to the school that raises the most money during the fundraiser. The student leaders from this school will also each receive an invitation to the McDavid assembly and a photo with Connor McDavid.

Best marketing campaign

The school fundraising team that creates the most creative and effective marketing campaign during their fundraiser will each receive a $75 Sport Chek gift card along with a special award to recognize and remember their accomplishment.

About The Ben Stelter School Fundraiser (BSSF)

Our Story

The Ben Stelter School Fundraiser (BSSF), founded by Aariz Mawji at Nellie Carlson School in February 2023, began with the powerful idea of kids raising money for kids to support childhood cancer initiatives. The inaugural fundraiser raised $11,000 in one week, becoming the school’s largest fundraiser. Encouraged by its success, Aariz collaborated with the Ben Stelter Foundation and his principal to make it an annual event.

In 2023, the fundraiser expanded to five schools across Edmonton, raising $43,000 and introducing Student Leadership Opportunities, the McDavid Prize for the winning school, and fundraising incentives tied to donation milestones. Nellie Carlson raised $15,000, winning the McDavid draw and hosting a visit from Connor McDavid.

By 2024, the fundraiser grew to include 10 schools citywide, raising an impressive $73,000. This initiative has evolved into a citywide movement, uniting students, schools, and communities to honor Ben Stelter’s legacy, inspire leadership, and make a lasting impact in the fight against childhood cancer. Together, it continues to create hope for children battling cancer and their families.

About us

The Ben Stelter School Fundraiser (BSSF) is a student-led initiative that brings schools across Edmonton together to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer. This annual campaign empowers students to lead fundraising efforts in their schools while supporting the Ben Stelter Foundation. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help fund the Ben Stelter Centre for Proton Therapy and Neuroscience, Canada’s first proton therapy center, set to open in Edmonton by 2028.

Key elements of the fundraiser include:

Student Leadership Opportunities: Two leaders per school coordinate events, motivate peers, and manage fundraising efforts.
Fundraising Events: Schools organize activities like bake sales, class competitions, and community events.
The McDavid Draw: Each school earns one ballot for participation, each extra $1,000 they raise counts towards an extra one. The winning school gets a special visit from Connor McDavid.

The fundraiser aims to raise funds for life-saving cancer treatment, develop leadership skills in students, and foster community and compassion among participants.

Key dates (2025)

September 5th: Early registration deadline
October 3rd: School sign-up deadline
October 14th: Student Leader selection deadline
October 6th–November 7th: Early fundraising period
November 17th–December 5th: Main fundraising period
December 5th: Donation Deadline

Schools can begin fundraising as early as October 6th, and they have from then to December 5th to run their fundraiser. Our main fundraising period is when we provide the most updates and promote the fundraiser, but your school’s fundraising can be done at any time between the start date and the donation deadline. We recommend allocating 2–3 weeks of planning time to ensure the student team has enough time to successfully execute events. October 15th is the default student leader deadline when we release the forms; however, your school can change this to be earlier or later. The times and dates for events like the webinar or McDavid assembly & draw will be announced later on.