Organizers are ramping up for the Drayton Mapleton Terry Fox Walk/Run/Cycle event on Sept. 18.
The organizing committee “is looking to build on the contributions from this generous community,” which last year supported 193 participants, raising over $30,250, states a press release from the group.
This was the largest total in the last five years and “it was heart-warming to see everyone pull together for the fight against cancer,” said committee member Louise Ellis.
She notes the Mapleton Drayton Terry Fox organizing committee looks forward to “this awesome community’s continuing and growing spirit for the 2016 Terry Fox event.”
On Sept. 18, participants are invited to walk, run or cycle down a 2km or 10km path to continue to make progress in the battle against cancer.
Sponsor forms are available for pick-up at various locations through: 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,” stated Ellis.
“To know that donations are applied to research rather than burdensome administration costs, puts the Terry Fox Foundation ahead of other organizations that struggle with this challenging balance.”
She added the Terry Fox Foundation scores an A-plus on The Money Sense’s list of charities run most efficiently.
This year also brings some change to the local run. Long-time organizers 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 September day is well established and we are ready to pass the reins to a refreshed team, with new ideas and energies,” said Ellis, who invites anyone interested to contact her as soon as possible at loularellis@yahoo.ca or 519-638-2120 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,” organizers state.
On Sept. 18 the event begins at Drayton’s Old Arena at the Fairground with registration at 12:30pm. The send-off takes place at 1:30pm.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a donation, participate or sponsor a participant. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to become corporate sponsors, and will be listed in the Community News following the event, organizers state.
Terry Fox Run T-shirts, with an “inspirational” 2016 design, are available for purchase at Blooming Dale’s in Drayton for $20.
