The Chatham-Kent YMCA has awarded student Matt Laidlaw with its Peace Medallion for his charity work at Blenheim District High School.
After the fifth year student's best friend Mitch Moore was diagnosed with cancer, Laidlaw helped rally the school's football team and community to shave their heads and raise money in support of their teammate.
After the stunt, math teacher Karen Sullivan nominated Laidlaw for the award. "Somebody who exudes that welcoming open ideal to people, that's Matt."
After accepting the award, Laidlaw had a message of peace going forward. "No matter how small something may seem, run with it and just go with it. If you believe in something, it can truly take off."
The initiative helped the school raise $4,150 for cancer research.
