For many Canadians September is synonymous with two things – back to school and Terry Fox.
The 2016 community Terry Fox Run in Innisfail is set to begin at 1:30 p.m. at Centennial Park on Sept. 18.
“Planning has gone well,” said Patrick Gleason, organizer for the Terry Fox Run. “We received our materials from headquarters in Calgary, we've had a couple more people come forward to join us (the committee), we've got a small group of students from the high school that are going to be helping out and we've got our anchor members that were with us last year.
“We feel like we're in pretty good shape with regard to volunteer help,” he added. “Our huge goal is we want to see as many people as we possibly can out on that day.”
The annual event is a total of five kilometres, and those wishing to run the route twice are welcome to complete a 10-km event. Gleason noted participants can use in-line skates, bicycles or wheelchairs, and they can run or walk.
Last year's Terry Fox Run raised just $5,000, noted Gleason, adding the committee will be looking to fundraise in the community prior to the event.
“We'll be approaching businesses like we did last year, starting after the long weekend in September, and we'll have an information table at the malls on September 3 and 10,” said Gleason. “The Lions Club approached me and decided to buy 100 Terry Fox T-shirts, which we will sell at the information tables and we'll also sell them at the Terry Fox Run.”
About 40 people came out last year to participate in the 35th annual Terry Fox Run. Gleason, who took on the task of organizing the event after it faced imminent cancellation, is encouraging everyone to join in, rain or shine, and help raise money for cancer research.
“We would love to double that number this year,” said Gleason. “It's always the second Sunday after the long weekend in September. It's starting at the same place as last year, at Centennial Park at 1:30 p.m. but if you don't make 1:30 p.m. and you want to start a little bit later, that's fine too.”
Gleason, noting organizers will be on hand to assist participants, said Innisfail residents and businesses can participate in the Terry Fox Run as individuals or as a team with family members or co-workers. He said businesses that participate in a team of two or more are welcome to wear their business colours.
“We really want this to be a community event,” Gleason concluded.
For more information visit the Terry Fox Run event on Facebook at www.terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/innisfail or email questions to [email protected]
Patrick Gleason
"We really want this to be a community event."
