Laughter, bouncing jump ropes, and the pitter-patter of sneakers filled North Memorial School this week as students leaped into action for the “Jumping for Jack” fundraiser. The event, organized in tandem with Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) was embraced by North Memorial’s younger learners, who together raised funds for Central Plains Cancer Services and a local four-year-old boy, Jack, battling leukemia.
The idea sprouted from PCI’s leadership class, inspired by teacher Jasmine Phipps and student Shianne Verwey’s personal connection to Jack’s family. North Memorial Principal Valerie Smith swiftly rallied her school, transforming gym classes into joyful jumping stations. “You’re never too young to learn kindness, compassion, and how to pay it forward,” Smith says. “The kids said, ‘We’re going to do this for Jack’—and they gave it their all.”
Community lessons in compassion
Mayor Sharilyn Knox, executive director of Central Plains Cancer Services, praised the initiative, emphasizing the power of youth-driven philanthropy. “We always love to hear when young people are getting involved in our community,” Knox says. “Jumping for Jack is a great, joyful thing for them to do. Life’s too short not to support each other.”
For Shianne Verwey, the cause hits close to home, as a family friend of Jack’s parents. “I’ve known Jack since he was born. My parents have been friends with his family for years,” Verwey says. “He’s dealing with this the best a four-year-old can. Even small help can make families happier in the long run.”
PCI students lead the charge
Members of PCI’s leadership team, including Kayleigh Rintoul, Callie Vanstone, and Kara McCartney, spearheaded donation drives and school outreach. Rintoul, whose family has been impacted by cancer, felt a deep connection. “It might not be much, but it’s helping this family a little,” she says. “Sometimes that’s all they need.”
Vanstone recalled the moment their teacher sparked the idea during the recent Central Plains Cancer Services "People Helping People" radiothon. “We were really touched by Jack’s story,” she says. “It’s great to see everyone come together—even a little acknowledgement matters.”
McCartney, who helped rally donations across schools, added, “We’re thankful for everything, even the words people shared. North Memorial’s support means so much.”
Quiet acts, loud impact
Principal Smith emphasized the event’s focus on empathy over dollar goals. “The lesson is that helping others can be fun,” she says. Staff matched student efforts, and while Jack’s family hasn’t been directly contacted, Smith hopes the gesture reinforces community bonds. “You don’t have to know someone to show compassion,” she says. “These kids are part of something bigger.”
As jump ropes settled, the message lingered that even the smallest leaps can lift hearts—and hope.