For more than 25 years Grace Fletch has been the heart of Olds' annual Terry Fox Run.
And while Fletch knows the past couple of years for the run have faced challenges she is adamant Olds' 32nd annual Terry Fox Run, slated for Sept. 16, is as relevant and important as ever.
“I really do. Everybody is touched by cancer, whether it is a friend or relative,” said Fletch, a local home care worker who shares the annual run's organizing duties with husband Don, an enthusiastic participant. “In some years people have other things to do with their donations. If the Terry Fox Run is on their list we would love to have their support. There's only so much money people can donate.”
Last year, the Terry Fox Run in Olds, held in near perfect weather, attracted 43 participants who raised $4,500 for the cause. The year before, the run, held in frigid temperatures with wind and rain, attracted just 30.
“Last year was not a very good year,” said Fletch. “I don't know what the schools raised but $10,000 for us is about the average. We have raised that many times.”
In fact, she is seizing Terry Fox's ambitious goal of raising $1 for every Canadian by having a local target this year of raising $1 for each citizen of Olds.
“If we did that we would have a good total,” said Fletch.
Nationally and internationally the legacy of Terry Fox continues to grow. There are more than 800 runs in 50 countries, and more than $500 million has been raised for cancer research. His mother Betty, responsible in large part for the Terry Fox Foundation's growth and success, died last year but her husband Rolly continues the legacy.
This year's Sept. 16 run will start at 1 p.m. at the gazebo in Centennial Park. Registration begins at noon. This year's route is a five-km circular route that ends at the gazebo. Participants can run two routes for a total distance of 10 kms. Fletch said the route had to change this year due to construction along the railroad tracks.
Pledge forms for the run are at various locations throughout town, including the Olds Aquatic Centre, Co-op Food Store, Sobeys, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
For more information on the Olds Terry Fox Run call Fletch at 403-556-3269 or visit the website at www.terryfox.org
