NEWS

Marshall McLuhan students take up malaria fight

It was an emotional afternoon at Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School on Wednesday as two students were brought to tears sharing how malaria has impacted their lives.

Grade 12 students Dave Repatacodo and Amanda Arcuri told their stories during a school assembly held to celebrate the Forest Hill school having raised $15,420 for charity Sleeping Children Around the World.

Former NHL goaltender Dave Dryden, president of the charity that was started in 1970 by his parents, Murray and Mary, accepted the cheque.

Repatacodo and Arcuri raised the most money.

In total, the money will buy 440 bed kits, which will provide mattresses, supplies and school uniforms to children in the Philippines.

Speaking to the largely Filipino school, Repatacodo reminisced about growing up in the Philippines and how at age 7 his friend died of malaria.

“I watched him pass away and that memory haunts me still,” he said, fighting back tears. “This was my way of honouring my friend.”

Arcuri, an actress known for a recurring role on the TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation, also drew on personal experience, saying her grandmother contracted malaria in Italy.

Overcome with emotion, Arcuri turned away from the microphone at one point and was consoled by Repatacodo, to supportive cheers from their classmates.

Grant Clark, executive committee member of SCAW, surprised the school by telling them on April 11 the charity will be taking all 440 donated bed kits to the Philippines and will distribute them in a single day, with updates posted online.

“It will be a Marshall McLuhan day,” he said, to applause. “Each day there will be pictures and reports [on our website].”