The annual Terry Fox Runs on the Sunshine Coast – one in Gibsons and one in Roberts Creek – raised over $6,000 for cancer research between both events.
“We’re trying to promote younger generations to follow along, so it was encouraging to see people out there with their babies and baby carriages and young kids,” volunteer organizer Donald Bland said. “This year we had a young hockey team come out and – as part of their pre-season training – run the Terry Fox Run.”
Just over 100 participants -– plus a handful of others who didn’t officially register – participated in the Gibsons run and collectively raised about $2,550, although this isn’t the official total as pledge sheets were still coming in, as of press time.
“[Bland and I] match the donations,” volunteer organizer Mary Findlay said. “So whatever comes in at our site, we match.”
“We’ve done that every year and we’re prepared for it,” Bland said. “We’re happy to, we’ve done that run forever.”
That brings the total up to a little over $5,000 for Gibsons. Meanwhile, in Roberts Creek, 50 participants raised about $900.
“It’s a great family event, very relaxed,” volunteer organizer Meredith Thomson said. “We welcome strollers, dog walkers – all ages. It’s been an ongoing tradition in Roberts Creek for over 30 years – it used to be organized by Mike Metcalf.
“We’ll be here every year,” Thomson said. “It was a great turnout and we’d love to see more folks out next year, the more the merrier!”
According to the Terry Fox website – www.terryfox.org – the Terry Fox Runs take place in over 9,000 communities across Canada every year and are accessible to anyone in a non-competitive atmosphere.
After having one leg amputated in 1977 from osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer), Fox embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research in 1980. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and over 5,000 kilometres – and ultimately cost him his life – his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy.
The Terry Fox Run was first held in 1981. It has grown to involve millions of participants internationally. To date, over $700 million CAD has been raised in his name.
Visit www.terryfox.org for more information about this Canadian icon.
