Legacy lives on

Organizers may be disappointed that this year’s Terry Fox Run here drew far less than half the participants as last September, and only raised just over $5,000, but they shouldn’t lose heart.
While the numbers and dollar amount were down, let’s commend the 43 people that did turn out Sunday afternoon, along with members of the Church of the Holy Spirit who once again spearheaded the annual event, for helping to keep the legacy of Terry Fox alive.
The inspiration of Terry Fox’s valiant effort to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research back in 1980 continues to this day—evidenced by the myriad of runs, walks, and countless other events held each year in support of various worthwhile causes, whether it’s cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, or mental health.
And district residents keep responding. Sunday’s Terry Fox Run came on the heels of more than $44,000 being raised the previous evening during the Riverside Foundation for Health Care’s “Cowboys and Lace” dinner in Emo.
Earlier this summer, the annual “Relay for Life” here raised nearly $83,000. Last month, the local Alzheimer Society’s “Ride for Memories” topped $46,000.
Angela Smith, meanwhile, is just home from an eight-day hike in the Rocky Mountains, raising almost $9,500 for the local “Jumpstart” program run by Canadian Tire.
Let’s not forget, either, all the money service clubs, sports teams, and community groups raise thanks to the generosity of local residents.
An incredible tally in all—and all at a time of such economic uncertainty shrouding our district.
No matter the cause, every dollar raised is a tribute to Terry Fox—and proof his legacy very much lives on.