The theme for the Sept. 18, Drayton Mapleton Terry Fox Walk/Run/Cycle event is “Aspire. Inspire.”
Organizers offered “many thanks to this generous community” for supporting 193 participants raising over $30,000 in 2015. This was the largest total over the last five years and organizers state “it was heart-warming to see everyone pull together for the fight against cancer.”
Organizers often take their inspiration from the insightful words of Terry Fox, but this year, are sharing the words of an area hockey great. As former Toronto Maple Leafs centre Darryl Sittler recounts of his interactions with Fox, his emotions are clear. He was inspired by Fox’s commitment to running a daily marathon, totaling 5,373 km between April 12, 1980 and Sept.1, 1980.
“The efforts were not self-serving, as Terry aspired to make cancer a distant historical issue for future generations, through directing all funds for cancer research,” states a press release from the local committee.
Sittler recalled in an interview with Lance Hornby of Sun Media, cited by local organizers, that during his lengthy public-appearance career, he encountered many fans who get tongue-tied in his presence. However, as he rode the elevator of the Four Seasons Hotel 30 summers ago, he wondered what on earth he’d say to a remarkable young man from British Columbia who was passing through Toronto and had asked to meet the famous Maple Leafs captain. But the perfect line popped into Sittler’s head.
“He had no idea I was coming, so I just poked my head in his room and said, ‘Who wants to go for a run?’” Sittler recalled. “I wanted to meet him as much as he wanted to meet me. He was sitting on the end of the bed and his eyes really lit up.
“I had worn a T-shirt and pair of shorts, so away we went. Someone just emailed me an old picture of us before we started and we’re standing there with our curly hair.”
The Mapleton Drayton Terry Fox organizing committee looks forward to “this awesome community’s continuing and growing spirit” for the 2016 Terry Fox event. Participants are invited to walk, run or cycle down a two- or 10km path to continue to make progress in the battle against cancer. Alternatively, area residents are encouraged to challenge friends or family to train over the summer for the 10km run or bike or extend the healthy competitive spirit to a sponsoring challenge. If interested, let organizers know and they will ensure your recognition on Sept. 18.
In the upcoming weeks, participants may pick up sponsor forms from these supporters: Drayton and Moorefield Royal Bank locations, Blooming Dale’s, Drayton Food Market, Gourlay’s Store and Dobben’s Hardware.
“In our experience, when community members are approached to support the Terry Fox project – they reach generously into their pockets. To know that donations are applied to research rather than burdensome administration costs, puts Terry Fox Foundation ahead of other organizations that struggle with this challenging balance. The Terry Fox Foundation scores an A+ on The Money Sense’s list of charities, which run most efficiently,” organizers state.
This year also brings some evolving change. Key local Terry Fox organizers remain steadfastly supportive, but are looking for new volunteers. Many on the committee have provided over 20 years of volunteer service. The process for organizing this annual day is well established and committee members are ready to pass the
reins to a refreshed team, with new ideas and energy. Contact Louise Ellis at loularellis@yahoo.ca or 519-638-2120, as soon as possible, to join this year’s committee to learn the ropes.
“Terry Fox believed in himself and the rest of the country when he started his marathon of hope. When his cancer returned and ended his epic run across the country, he entrusted his name and legacy to all of us, hoping that his quest to find a cure for cancer would continue.”
On Sept. 18 at the Drayton’s fairgrounds registration begins at 12:30pm, with the send off at 1:30pm. Anyone is welcome to bring a donation if they choose not to participate, or are encouraged to sponsor a participant.
Businesses and organizations are encouraged to become corporate sponsors, and will be listed in the Community News following the event.
Terry Fox Run t-shirts ($20) will be available for purchase at Blooming Dale’s in Drayton. The inspirational 2016 design is embedded on quality t-shirts. Alternatively go to www.terryfoxrun.org to order. Organizers request purchasers add a note requesting their t-shirt purchase be attributed to the Mapleton-Drayton Terry Fox Run’s fundraising efforts.
