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!

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 (in 2024)

Leadership Forms Close: Monday, October 28th
Leaders Announced: Tuesday, October 29th (An email will be sent to the chosen leaders and the school staff member from the sign-up form)
Planning Period: October 28th - November 17th
Fundraising Period: November 18th - December 5th
Donation Deadline: December 5th
Puck Donation Deadline - Jan 30, 2025
Registration for the 2025 Ben Stelter School Fundraiser will likely open in the spring of 2025, with the student leadership forms launching in the fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my school doesn't want to participate, but I want to help?

While we strongly encourage the school to sign up, if you have tried and your school can't this year, then there's still a way for you to sign up and fundraise. Do fill out the form and we will create a fundraising page for you to be a part of and still participate in the draws for the signed McDavid memorabilia.

How will the draw for Connor McDavid to visit a school and memorabilia be done

We will livestream or have a recorded video of the draw so everyone can see. The visit from Connor will be at a time convenient for the school and Mr. McDavid.