Old Saybrook Students Lend a Hand

High School Students Who Care

In its effort to continue to educate the public about breast cancer and raise money for valuable research, the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation recently brought its message to Old Saybrook High School.

Deb Gillig, center, with Makaylah McDonald (l) and Sharay Marineau (r)

Deb Gillig, the events and promotions coordinator for TBBCF, participated in a student-organized fair of about a dozen groups that offer volunteer opportunities. TBBCF focused on recruiting students to participate in, and help promote, the annual “Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut” fundraiser held every year in October.

Gillig made contact with about 20 students during the two-day event, which was held during school lunch periods April 11 and 25.

“There was some enthusiastic response to the idea of doing the walk,” Gillig said, adding that about 15 students took handouts and flyers that explained the volunteer opportunities for the walk, which is a marathon from Old Saybrook to Waterford.

Nearly all the students who stopped by the TBBCF table knew about Terri Brodeur, the organization’s namesake. Terri Brodeur lived in Old Saybrook and was the mother of three children when she died from breast cancer in 2005. Many knew the Brodeur family and had personal relationships with them, Gillig said.

The volunteer fair was put on by Makaylah McDonald  and Sharay Marineau,  students in the “English in Action” class at Old Saybrook High School. The purpose of the event, which was a graduation requirement, was to educate students about the benefits of volunteering. Other organizations that participated included High Hopes therapeutic riding, Habitat for Humanity, Unified Sports and several groups that help animals.

Gillig said the fair was a great way to reach out to young people and to remind them that they can help make a difference in their community. She hopes to participate in similar events at other schools in the region.

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