Published: January 2026
For almost three decades, Turnbull School has redefined how youth can participate in fundraising by turning inspiration into meaningful impact.
At just three years old, children at Turnbull School begin full days of reading, math, and spelling, but learning here goes far beyond the classroom. Students discover early that education isn’t only about mastering multiplication, it’s about understanding their community and the role they can play in it.
For 28 years, Turnbull has integrated running and fundraising for The Ottawa Hospital into its curriculum. What began as a small group of students and teachers participating in Ottawa Race Weekend has grown into a month-long, school-wide initiative involving almost every student, school leader, and family. Every student trains and fundraises for The Ottawa Hospital, with their efforts ending in a school-organized track and field “race day.” Along the way, they learn empathy, inclusion, and perseverance, discovering how their contributions can make a real impact in their community.
“For these students to have something where they can learn about and actually see the philanthropic side of giving back is really important,” says Kyla Vogel, Co-Head of Community Engagement. “These little humans are going to grow up to have a well-rounded understanding of their community and how they can give back.”
The program promotes healthy habits, builds school-wide excitement, and encourages students to rally behind a cause that affects their city directly. Classrooms buzz with progress updates tracked on posters, sneakers, and record boards, creating momentum that carries home to their families. To maximize their fundraising efforts, students participate in bake sales, Mother’s Day tulip sales, silent auctions, parent–staff socials, and creative initiatives like “principal for a day.” Older students help run the events, mentoring younger peers and strengthening their leadership skills.
Turnbull consistently raises nearly $40,000 each year for The Ottawa Hospital, a cause that resonates deeply with the school community. Students, staff, and families have experienced the hospital’s care firsthand — through illness, injuries, aging parents, or even parents who work there as nurses and doctors.
“Illness and accidents can touch anyone, and The Ottawa Hospital is where our community goes. Almost everyone knows someone who’s been cared for there. It’s a reminder of how fortunate we are.”
These personal connections make every pledge and bake sale item meaningful, showing students, that even small acts can make a significant change in the future of healthcare. For them, the new hospital isn’t just a building. It will be a vital, personal part of their lives, and its impact will be felt every day.
As Steve Fini, Co-Head of Community Engagement, put it: “Raising good humans is just as important as teaching math, English, or science. Our goal is to raise good people, and that’s a big part of who we are. Our school motto is ‘caring and excellence,’ and it always comes back to that. We don’t expect them to know how to handle everything life throws at them — that’s what we’re here for. It’s about learning how to navigate life and the hard things that come with it.”
Turnbull School is setting the standard for how education and community can come together. By combining active, healthy living with meaningful philanthropy, the school engages students from a young age, providing hands-on opportunities that teach important values, and foster a deep sense of community. For Turnbull, this program is more than a fundraiser — it’s a way to help raise compassionate, socially conscious individuals who understand the impact they can have on the world around them.
Cheer on Turnbull School in their 28th year! Keeping the mini runners moving, their hearts full, and their spirits unstoppable!
