INNISFAIL – For 37 years, Canadians have worked to fulfil Terry Fox’s dream of finding a cure for cancer.
This year on Sept. 16, the people of Innisfail will join Canadians from coast to coast for the annual Terry Fox Community Run.
The local event takes place at Centennial Park at 1 p.m.
“Last year we raised around $9,000 and we had 91 people either taking part or volunteering,” said Patrick Gleason, organizer for the local event. “We’re still aiming for over 100 participants or volunteers and $10,000 this year.”
Gleason said he was pleased with last year’s event and noted that each year the Terry Fox Run grows a little bigger and raises more money.
“There’s been some form of Terry Fox Run here I think since the very first run 37 years ago,” he added.
Gleason said the local committee works to provide a consistent event every year.
“People see the signs, they know it’s at 1 p.m. and they know it’s at Centennial Park,” he said. “People know it’s that time of year.”
In addition to the event on Sept. 16, many area schools also participate in the annual event, and hold a Terry Fox Run on a different day in September.
Gleason said he hopes to see many Innisfail residents come out for the Terry Fox Run, even if they don’t directly participate in it.
“People don’t have to run in it. They can just come out, make a donation and help cheer participants on,” said Gleason. “We’re really trying to make sure this is a town event where everyone is welcome to just come and be there.
“We want to make sure that people can say we are part of the Terry Fox Run, and we’re part of not only the town’s run, we’re part of what is happening nationwide today,” Gleason concluded.
For more information on Innisfail's Terry Fox Community Run or to become a volunteer call Gleason at 403-358-1451.
