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Terry Fox Run needs organizer

Help outrun cancer by becoming the Penticton Terry Fox Run volunteer organizer
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Brent and Lisa Fitzgerald, organizers of the Penticton Terry Fox Run, will be meeting participants out front of the SS Sicamous on Sept. 20. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the race starts at 10. Western News file photo

For the past 28 years, Terry Fox has inspired generations in Penticton, uniting the community through a cause that has touched each one of us at one point or another.

The event is now searching for an organizer to ensure the run, that has taken place since 1988 in Penticton and raised more than $750 worldwide, continues for another year.

“It would be such a shame for the people of Penticton to miss out on an opportunity to keep Terry’s legacy alive as every community, no matter how big or small can make a huge impact, just as Terry learned in 1980 when a small town of 10,000 people raised over $10,000,” said Donna White, provincial director for the Terry Fox Foundation B.C. and Yukon. “The Terry Fox Foundation funds research in all kinds of cancer, believing as Terry did, that we need to conquer this disease once and for all.”

This year marks the 37th annual Terry Fox Run and Canada’s 150 anniversary. Penticton is seeking a motivated, compassionate volunteer run organizer to continue Terry’s legacy in your community.

“I’m not a dreamer, and I’m not saying this will initiate any kind of definitive answer or cure to cancer, but I believe in miracles. I have to,” the words written by a true Canadian hero. Terry Fox had a single dream: a world without cancer. He sought to reach out to every corner of Canada, and beyond, when he embarked on his Marathon of Hope. Terry Fox ran the equivalent of a marathon a day for 143 days straight, on one leg, to raise awareness for the need for research funding. When his own cancer spread, he was forced to stop running.

The volunteer run organizer responsibilities include recruiting committee members, confirming the route, promoting the run, and overseeing run day activities. The time commitment ranges from two to four hours weekly during the months leading up to the National Run Day, which is on Sunday, Sept. 17. Whether as a couple or individual, the volunteer run organizer will always be assisted by the Terry Fox Foundation in the planning process, and given the resources to make it a success.

The Terry Fox Foundation is proud of the 84 cents of every dollar raised that goes directly to cancer research initiatives. The run itself is an all-inclusive, family fun event is by donation and there is no minimum fundraising requirement. Participants are encouraged to run, bike, or rollerblade to the finish line.

Terry said, “It’s one thing to run across Canada, but now, people are really going to know what cancer is.” Today we know more about cancer more than ever, and we have Terry to thank for that. So let us celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary by making the 37th annual Terry Fox Run the biggest one to date.

To volunteer or for more information contact the provincial director at 1-888-836-9786 or by email at Donna.white@terryfoxrun.org.