The Terry Fox Foundation is on the hunt for someone to organize a Terry Fox Run in Fruitvale this year for what would be the first run since 2011.
Catherine Hodgson, media assistant for the foundation, says the run is pretty easy to organize and it is open to anyone who has a bit of spare time.
“It can really be anyone in the community,” she said, adding that there are many different types of people organizing runs across the country.
“We have such a great example of young and old. We have someone organizing a run that is as young as 20. It is interesting because a lot of organizers hold the cause personally and have been affected by cancer before, but we really welcome the entire community.”
The position of run organizer has four main functions, says Hodgson.
“(The position involves) organizing the run, securing an organization committee, planning the route and planning some activities,” she said, mentioning that anyone who organizes a Terry Fox Run would not be going at it alone.
“We would act as a resource for as much as we can. We would also provide all of the promotional materials and that is all complimentary.”
According to Hodgson, it is getting down to the wire for someone to sign up and organize the Fruitvale Terry Fox Run, but there are always extra materials at the Terry Fox Foundation office.
Donna White, the provincial coordinator for the foundation, says that holding a Terry Fox Run isn't reserved for larger cities or bigger communities – anyone can host a run and continue Terry Fox's work.
“What Terry started 34 years ago with his Marathon of Hope is certainly a legacy that has been left with all of us as Canadians.”
“We have runs in cities the size of Vancouver or Toronto, but we also have runs in communities like Masset and small towns around the country.”
Even though the event is titled the Terry Fox Run, White says you can do it on roller blades, or in a stroller, as long as the message is maintained.
“Whether you want to walk it, whether you want to run it, or if you want to bring your children in strollers, or seniors in wheelchairs, or kids on bikes, and bring the family dog, It is about coming out and being a part of a Marathon of Hope and continuing the legacy that Terry left with all of us,” she said.
Gord Mattson, a member of the organizing committee for Trail's Terry Fox Run, says the event is something that has put Canada on the map in regards to cancer research.
“The foundation is a grassroots organization driven by volunteers. All of the funds raised go directly to cancer research in Canada and over the last 30 years, the funds have helped transform Canada's cancer research centres into world-class, world leading (facilities).”
The Terry Fox Run for Trail will start at 10 a.m. on Sept. 14 in Gyro Park with registration at 9 a.m.
For information on how to sign up and organize the Fruitvale Terry Fox Run, contact White or Hodgson at the British Columbia Terry Fox Foundation Office at 1-888-836-9786.