With COVID-19, this year’s Powell River Terry Fox Run is very different.
However, the annual fundraising event will be taking place, recognizing the 40th anniversary of Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
Leslie Paul, chairperson of the Terry Fox Run in this community, says the theme for this year’s event is One Day – Your Way. A second theme is #tryliketerry, where people can challenge themselves in the spirit of Terry Fox. Paul says in spite of many hardships, Fox never gave up trying.
“We are asked to do the same this year, in spite of COVID-19,” she adds. “The hope is that families or small groups of friends will choose a route on September 20 and run, walk or ride for Terry. Registration is available online as usual at terryfox.org/run and donations and fundraising pledges can be made there.”
Paul says in these uncertain times, the one certainty is that cancer is not waiting for COVID-19 to be over.
“This year, Canadians will unite in spirit, not in person, for their own version of the run,” she adds. “The Terry Fox Foundation’s (TFF) single mission is to fund innovative cancer research.”
Paul says 79 cents out of every dollar goes directly to research, making the TFF one of the most fiscally responsible charitable organizations.
“Powell River has had 31 community runs since 1989 and we have raised more than $410,000 to date,” adds Paul.
Last year, about $16,000 was raised locally. Also last year, about $900 in donations came in online, but this year, because of COVID-19, it will all be online, so participants and donors need to familiarize themselves with the website.
This year there will not be a large group of people leaving from Powell River Recreation Complex, following routes that have been laid out by the organizers.
“The idea is you go out on that day, maybe wearing a Terry Fox t-shirt if you have one, and go for a walk, or ride a bike, or whatever,” says Paul. “There’s no set time. People can do it any time on that day.”
Paul says this was supposed to be a big year because it’s the 40th anniversary of Fox’s run and plans were in the works to make the event special. Unfortunately, that will not come to fruition this year.
One of the special features that will occur this year is the recognition of the sponsorship by Adidas of Fox’s run. The sportswear company supplied Fox with footwear for his cross-Canada run and had a limited run of the runners manufactured earlier this year. Proceeds from the sales will go toward cancer research.
Adidas has also created t-shirts as part of its commemorative collection, with proceeds going to TFF.
This year’s Terry Fox Run t-shirts are on order. They have not been received yet but can be ordered by contacting Brenda at 604.485.4325.
People seeking more information about the Terry Fox Run can contact Paul at [email protected].
“We’re looking at a completely different year here but my fundamental hope is people will be generous as they have been in the past and will participate fully,” says Paul. “We realize money is tight this year, but if you are going to donate to cancer, it’s the way I always do it.”
Paul says Powell River, per capita, is a generous donator to the Terry Fox Foundation.
