NORTH BAY -- Trojan spirit was in full swing at West Ferris Secondary School after a week-long fundraising campaign where the school raised money for a 4-year-old girl named Ali recovering from brain surgery.

Last week, students had a discussion about the situation, and asked the school administration how they could help.

Quickly, staff and students came together to rally behind Ali and her family.

Donations were collected all week, and a virtual “Rally for Ali” was held on Thursday.

The week’s fundraising goal was $1,500. Principal Andy Gagne, who is well known for only wearing black, promised if the students reached that goal, he would direct the morning traffic wearing pink.

Pink is Ali's favourite colour. Gagne was spotted wearing the colour for the rest of the school day on Oct. 30, when it was announced the school had almost doubled its fundraising goal.

Social Sciences Teacher Mark Robertson, a key staff planner behind the fundraiser, recognized the ability of the school community to work collectively to make a difference.

"It’s an overwhelming amount of support from the students," said Robertson.

"It really blew everyone away that we exceeded the goal."

Robertson added that when students heard that they had exceeded the goal, they were excited and emotional.

"I am so proud of our students and staff for supporting this little girl and her family. The West Ferris community, the families that support our school, they just continue to demonstrate what it means to belong to this school," he said.

The school says it remains committed to supporting the local community.

Students support food drives, collecting items for the women’s shelters, the annual cancer walk, and other fundraising opportunities throughout the school year.