Kelowna’s 38th annual Terry Fox run saw hundreds of locals gather at Mission Recreation Park eager to not only bolster cancer research but carry on the torch of Terry Fox’s legacy.
The annual event has been a part of our community since the Marathon of Hope was created in 1980, raising stunning funds for the Terry Fox Foundation, bringing in $30,000 alone in 2017.
Volunteer Organizer, Norm Sabourin, has been involved with bringing the Terry Fox Run to life for the last 20 years around B.C.’s boundary country, and the last three years here in Kelowna.
“Terry Fox is a Canadian hero, and I just believe that his example is one that we need to follow and remember,” said Sabourin.
“I was in grade 10 while Terry was on his run, I vividly remember watching the news every night, and that impactful day he had to stop. I remember the emotion then, and organizing it now brings back those memories of being caught up in that moment, the Marathon of Hope and Terry’s dream.”
Aside from the incredible community support, a major highlight of the event would have to be the moving speech made by Terry’s brother, Darrell Fox, who was by Terry’s side during the Marathon of Hope.
Not only speaking of the courage of his late brother, Darrell spoke highly of our local cancer survivors who represented Terry’s Team, saying they should be the ones on stage sharing their stories.
Prior to the walk, attendees had the opportunity to not only listen to live music but to buy Terry Fox merchandise and participate in the silent auction to help bolster fundraising efforts.
For the little ones, the City of Kelowna hosted tons of fun activities in the Kids Zone.
The weather cooperated with the cause, parting the clouds and bringing on the sunshine, while on the count of three members of Terry’s Team lead the way.
The 2018 event managed to raise almost $20,000 via online fundraising, with a final tally of today’s efforts to come.
Sunshine, hope and inspiration melted together to once again make Kelowna’s annual Terry Fox Run a very special morning for all in attendance.
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