Terry Fox Run committee in place

The Terry Fox Run–which almost didn’t happen here in Fort Frances–now has a seven-person committee to head it after a meeting Tuesday afternoon.
The Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau stepped in last Friday and has now organized a group to manage the annual run next month.
“[The meeting] went very well,” said executive director Joan Pearson.
The other six committee members include Paulette DeVos, Tricia Allan, Gaby Hanzuk, Jim Zucchiatti, Stewart Hubert, and Bud Edwards, representing Pharmasave, a national sponsor.
They’ve only had the one meeting so far but some committee members already are feeling confident.
“I think it’ll be a good run,” said Allan. “It’ll be well-organized. We tossed some new ideas around, some old ones. We’re meeting next week to see where we can go with it.”
As in previous years, the 10-km route will run from the Fort Frances Museum to Pither’s Point and back.
“It’s a scenic route along the waterfront,” noted Pearson.
Committee members discussed the possibility of a stop point at the Sorting Cap Marina on Front Street, roughly two km from the museum, but nothing’s been confirmed yet.
Pearson said they also hoped to set up a Terry Fox Run information booth a few weeks before the run that would sell shirts, ball caps, and other items, and give out pledge sheets.
Pledge sheets also will be available from the volunteer bureau and Pharmasave.
Pearson said they would be giving out prizes to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism participants show by coming out for the run. The youngest and oldest participant will each earn a prize, as will the one who has gathered the most pledges (but not necessarily the most money).
“We want it to give the student who collects 50 cents here and there and who touches the most people with Terry Fox but doesn’t necessarily get the biggest dollar,” Pearson explained.
“We don’t make a total focus on the money.”
At the same time, the committee appears confident this year’s local run will be another fundraising success.
“When it comes to fundraising in Fort Frances, it can be done,” Hubert said.
Allan volunteered to be on the committee to make sure the run happened here.
“I’ve participated in the run even before I moved to Fort Frances,” she said. “I didn’t want to see it fall by the wayside.”
The run is scheduled for Sept. 18, rain or shine.