Pickering schools presented a $19,341.48 cheque to the Muscular Dystrophy Association Friday in honour of Mitchell Wilson, an 11-year-old boy who took his own life after he was bullied.

Pine Ridge Secondary students launched the I Am Who I Am campaign last November, and the campaign spread to all Pickering schools in the Durham District School Board.

Students sold wristbands and T-shirts to raise money, and schools held activities focused on character education and safe schools.

The money will be used to help seven families, six in Durham and one in the GTA, all of whom have a child with muscular dystrophy.

Wilson had muscular dystrophy and took regular walks to improve his health. On Nov. 1, 2010, Wilson was out for a walk with his father’s iPhone when he was allegedly robbed and beaten by a fellow student.

Wilson took his own life on Sept. 5, 2011, the day he received a subpoena to testify against his alleged attacker in court.

That schoolmate, who can’t be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is on trial for robbery and assault causing bodily harm. A verdict is expected in the case on March 5.