Peggy Revell
Things are gearing up for the annual Terry Fox run being hosted by the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau this Sunday (Sept. 14).
“The community has really been involved with it this year. There’s lots and lots of sponsors that have been sponsoring us in so many different ways, whether it be monetary or food donations or general help,” said run organizer Debbie Bazylewski.
“It’s been terrific,” she enthused.
Registration will begin at 1 p.m. at the Volunteer Bureau (located in the old CN station), alongside entertainment, speeches, and music.
The lineup so far will include Kaitlin Shortreed singing “O Canada,” a mayoral address, a speech from the Terry Fox Foundation, and music from Alex Marusyk and Brian Harris.
Energy Fitness also will be on hand to help out with warm-ups before the run begins.
Starting the run at 2 p.m. will be Marjorie Katerick, a long-time faithful fundraiser, said Bazylewski. The run will be led by a police escort, as well as volunteer Kay Dolph.
Following the run will be a free barbecue, courtesy of Canada Safeway, Ernest Thompson Distributors, Fort Frances and District Association for Community Living, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, and other donors.
As well, the Volunteer Bureau will be hosting a bake sale during the run.
“It’s going to be a fun time!” promised Bazylewski, adding on a challenge for all residents to keep on pledging—and for everyone to donate at least $1.
“If everyone gave a dollar, it would make a miracle,” she said.
Online pledging also is available at terryfoxrun.org (the community’s site is #241).
Meanwhile, items to get into the Terry Fox spirit still are available, with bookmarks at the library, and Terry Fox lawn signs and merchandise, including 2008 “Tour of Hope” hoodies, from the Volunteer Bureau.
A dedication board, made up of people’s memories of the Terry Fox Run, also is on display at Wal-Mart here.
