Skip to content

In tune for charity

Two Surrey students perform live music outside their school to raise money for cancer research.
98866surreySaxforcharity-ES
Marcus Wilson (left) and Kyle Wilson play their saxophones outside Cambridge Elementary School on Monday. The boys are raising money for cancer research.

It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas at Cambridge Elementary in Surrey.

Jingle Bells and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas could be heard outside the school Monday as two Grade 7 boys played their saxophones to raise money for cancer research after a classmate’s mother recently passed away from the disease.

When Principal Antonio Vendramin heard Kyle Wilson, 12, and Marcus Wilson, 12, playing their instruments a couple months ago, he suggested they open their cases to earn some extra money. He threw in a few coins and mentioned to staff they should as well. The boys decided to play in front of the school after classes and donate the money to the Surrey Food Bank.

After a recent tragedy, the boys thought it would be better to switch charities.

“A couple weeks ago our friend’s mom passed away from cancer and I said 'why don’t we donate the money to cancer research instead?' ” Kyle said.

Vendramin said it is wonderful to see students their age doing something so selfless.

“We stress doing work that matters meaningful and relevant work,” Vendramin said. “With the boys really playing, they are raising real money and they are invested.

Kyle said when he was younger he never realized that cancer affected so many people and as he grew up, he started hearing more about how it affected his family.

“I’ve lost a lot of family members to cancer,” Kyle said. “Now that I finally have a chance to do something, to change this deadly disease in some way, people can say that kid, those two kids, helped people and made a difference in people’s lives.

Sara Wilson, Marcus’s mother said the boys are dedicated and she is proud of both of them.

“It’s pretty awesome that kids these days are taking action and donating to charity,” she said, adding the principal is so supportive.

It’s pretty impressive to see the impact these two are having on the community Vendramin said.

“Last Friday, I saw someone donate a $20 bill.

Marcus said their goal was to raise $100 and they have already surpassed that.

“We have raised $115,” Marcus said. “We are going to do this all year and see how much we can make throughout the year to donate.

The boys will be giving the money to the BC Cancer Foundation.

Grade 5 student Nicole Tourand, 10, said her friends are great and she really likes the songs.

“It’s so nice and thoughtful of them for doing this and not expecting anything in return.