When it comes to putting on a Terry Fox Run, the organizers of the Drayton event have it pretty much figured out.
Last Sunday, 194 participants raised more than $24,000 at the 35th Terry Fox Run. Although short of the extremely-ambitious goal of $35,000 for the 35th anniversary event, donations are still coming in and it’s hard to dismiss the possibility of this dedicated group accomplishing anything it sets out to do.
Still, with more than double the contributions from many runs in larger communities, local organizers have continued the amazing effort that sees the Drayton run annually generate among the highest donation rates in the province on a per capita basis.
Certainly a strong possibility exists that after-the-fact donors will push this year’s run totals beyond the record $25,143 for cancer research raised by 200 runners in 2012.
Since Terry Fox began his 5,373-km run in St. John’s, Newfoundland, more than $700-million has been raised in his name for cancer research. This money has been used to fund the most promising and innovative research in Canada over the last 35 years.
Regardless of the eventual number raised locally, organizers, participants and sponsors can take pride in know that this community does all that can be asked for this worthy cause, which honours the memory of a true Canadian hero, Terry Fox.
Patrick Raftis
