Penticton teen raised thousands for ALS Society in honour of her Dad who is fighting the disease

Photo: Contributed

Annie Harries and her father.

A Penticton teen has been honoured with the ALS Society of BC Leader of Tomorrow Award, recognizing her outstanding dedication to raising funds and public awareness for the society in 2020 all in honour of her Dad.

Annie Harries began her work for the ALS Society this spring, after first working to provide over 500 surgical caps for frontline workers with the help of her family.

The then ninth-grade Leadership student at Penticton Secondary decided to next set her sights on helping the ALS Society in honour of her father, who was diagnosed with the disease three years ago.

Harries collected Purdy's Chocolate Christmas orders through a fundraising page, with a quarter of the proceeds earmarked to support people living with ALS throughout the province.

With the help of her eight siblings, $10,220 was raised.

"It is very near and dear to my heart," Harries explained. "I think the ALS Society is doing good work helping families affected by ALS and also trying to find the cure."

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Harries received her award via a virtual ceremony hosted by the ALS Society of BC on April 6.

Harries was also recently honoured by the Penticton Rotary Club as their Student of the Month for March 2021, recognizing outstanding community service.