The local “Terry Fox Run” has seen its ups and downs over the years, but the fact it has continued for 35 years is an amazing testament to not only the generosity of district residents but also the efforts of those who have taken on the task to organize it.
Lila Bruyere, for one, was instrumental in keeping the “Terry Fox Run” going here in the 1990s before moving away. Steve Maki also took the reins for a couple of years.
Then with the “Run” in danger of folding, the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau stepped to the plate at the 11th hour in 2000 to save the day.
The low point came in 2009, when just 24 participants raised about $1,300. But not willing to see the “Run” die, the Church of the Holy Spirit rushed to its rescue in 2010 and subsequently did a terrific job as organizers right through to this past Sunday’s 35th anniversary event.
Numbers may have been down from last year, when about 100 participants raised some $13,000, but the 80 who turned out Sunday raised roughly $6,300 that otherwise would not have gone towards cancer research had the run not been held.
Every dollar counts, which is why another organization is needed to step up now that the church congregation has opted to relinquish its role as organizers.
Yes, there are plenty of other events that raise money to fight cancer. But there’s something special about communities across Canada, and around the world, coming together on a Sunday each September to keep Terry’s dream and legacy alive.
Let’s hope the “Terry Fox Run” continues here for many more years to come. We’ve saved it before—there’s no reason to think we can’t again.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
