There’s a new cancer fundraiser in town, but this one’s a little different. It’s organized by high school students.

Austin High School’s Youth Leadership Club will put on the Strides for a Cure 5K Walk/Run at 9 a.m. this Saturday at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. It’s the first time the club put together this cancer fundraiser, after members spoke with adviser Emily Hovland, an AHS teacher, back in November.

“They were just interested in doing something to raise money for a cause,” Hovland said.

Students started securing sponsors in March, going to local businesses asking for funds for the event. Students wanted to do something for breast cancer, as they all knew someone who’d been affected by it.

Securing the money was no small feat, as 18 businesses are sponsoring the event. There are more than 60 people signed up, although registration is open until the race starts.

“We were happy that there was so many people signed up,” said Nathan Schwab, AHS junior.

Runners can pick up Race Day packets starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, with the race kicking off at 8:40 a.m. The race officially runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m., with awards and drawings for door prizes taking place at 10:10 a.m. There will be a raffle as well. All proceeds will go to the Hormel Institute Breast Cancer Research Fund.

“Every little bit helps,” Schwab said.