Terry Fox Week In Orillia
By John Swartz
Four decades ago Terry Fox was in Orillia on his Marathon of Hope. Each year The Orillia Terry Fox Run raises money for cancer research.
The run isn’t happening this year, or in any community that has held one, but the fundraising is still happening. Instead of runners, walkers and riders gathering at Terry Fox Circle in Couchiching Beach Park, people are encouraged to register and create their own virtual run. It can be in your neighbourhood, your back yard, or even inside.
There are events marking the countdown to the run on Sunday, September 20. Thursday there will be an online scavenger hunt. Teams can participate with a donation to the Terry Fox Foundation. It will be held via Zoom and there will be several rounds of time limited hunts for household items. Registration information is here.
Friday is t-shirt day. People are invited to wear new, or old Terry Fox Run t-shirts. Email orilliaterryfoxrun@rogers.com to order this year’s anniversary t-shirt for pickup.
Saturday watch the movie, Terry, online. It will be available on Zoom and is limited to 100 viewers. Details how to watch will be posted here Saturday afternoon.
Sunday, it will almost be like being there, with opening ceremonies, speeches, the warm up and other video content – all online. You can join in on Facebook, or Youtube.
Each the Orillia committee’s goal has been to raise at least $1 for each person living in Orillia, and they have done that 11 times. In 2019 more than $42,000 was raised by 553 participants. In total, $765,000, has been raised in Orillia.
Oro-Medonte’s Sugarbush and Brechin are holding virtual runs as well.
(Image Supplied)