With the annual Terry Fox Run coming up next month, local volunteers already have been working hard and keeping focused on promoting and raising money for the fundraiser.
Vanessa Hebert, executive director of the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, said volunteers have been stationed at Canada Safeway, Wal-Mart, and Canadian Tire throughout this month, and will continue to be until the day of the event (Sept. 19), handing out pledge forms and selling “Marathon of Hope” T-shirts.
They’ll also be having a “tag day,” much like those held by other local charities, on Tuesday, Sept. 14.
But besides still deciding whether or not to hold a fundraiser barbecue prior to the event (Hebert admitted she’s leery of the weather), all the planning has been done. Now it’s just a matter of making sure the “Marathon of Hope” turns out even better than last year.
This year, the run will start at the Volunteer Bureau (located in the old CN station). In previous years, it started in front of the Fort Frances Museum.
From there, participants will walk, run, jog, bike, or otherwise get themselves up Central Avenue and onto Second Street East, where they’ll go east to Victoria Avenue.
Then they’ll proceed south to Front Street, where they’ll follow the La Verendrye Parkway to the railway crossing at Pither’s Point. They’ll then go back to the Volunteer Bureau. The total distance is 10 km.
Those who got pledges to participate in the run will be treated to a free barbecue meal at the end of the course.
Hebert noted she’s requested the Fort Frances OPP have two of its new bicycle-riding officers escort the group of participants.
She added there is no rain date set, so the “Marathon of Hope” will go ahead despite the weather conditions.
Pledge forms for participants are available now at the Volunteer Bureau and various businesses around town. Those who want to pledge a participant can do it face-to-face or via the Terry Fox website (www.terryfoxrun.org)
This year’s fundraising goal is $15,000, said Hebert—about $5,000 more than what was raised here last September. The top pledge-getter was Marj Hull-Katerick with $2,003, who is aiming to raise $2,004 this time around.
Terry Fox T-shirts and sweatshirts are available now at the Volunteer Bureau and Triple T Books & Things on Scott Street. T-shirts cost $10 for the children’s size and $15 for adult sizes.
Sweatshirts cost $35 each.
Hebert added people also can order 2004-05 Terry Fox calendars for $10. She called them “beautiful.”
Hebert also would like to promote fundraising challenges among local businesses, like the annual face-off between Pharmasave and the Clinic Dispensary.
So far, no business besides Pharmasave has committed to participate as a group.
But some local businesses have showed support of the fundraiser. This past week, noted Hebert, D&D Vending donated bottled water for run, as well a large jar of pennies.
While a good number of volunteers already have been lined up for the annual event, Hebert added she can always find something to do for another willing soul.
For more info on being a volunteer, getting pledge forms or Terry Fox merchandise, or making a donation, call Hebert at 274-9555 or drop by the Volunteer Bureau.
In related news, as reported last week, local resident Ed Katona will be biking to Duluth, Mn. on Sept. 19 to raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation.
He hopes to complete the 550-km round trip and be back here by Sept. 21.
People can make pledges for Katona’s “Ride for the Cure” by contacting him directly or through the Volunteer Bureau’s office in the old CN station.
Katona can be reached at home in the evenings at 274-6714 or during business hours at 274-5323 ext. 241.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
