Sjoerd Witteveen
Nicole and Duncan Fletcher are the chairpersons of the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research organizing committee. Here, they cheer on their sons, Duncan, 4 (from left), Robert, 2, and Matthew, 4.
Markham
August 21, 2008 10:15 PM
By: Chris Traber
The 2008 Markham-Unionville Terry Fox Run is back on track.
In jeopardy of being cancelled due to a lack of a volunteer organizer, the cancer research is set for Sept. 14, confirmed Duncan Fletcher.
Mr. Fletcher, who is also the federal Conservative candidate for Markham-Unionville and his wife, Nicole, who is the advertising and distribution director for the Markham Economist & Sun, stepped up as co-organizers just three weeks ago to keep the important event viable.
“It’s a big job, especially on short notice,” Mr. Fletcher said. “The run was in a bit of disorganization and was in danger of shutting down. It would be a shame for that kind of money to disappear for a good cause.
“Most people are aware of Terry Fox’s legacy and it’s a great way for people to come out and show community spirit at a worthwhile event.”
“We responded to the article,’ he said. “We talked to friends and started in. We have the template from years past and it’s looking good right now.”
In 2007, more than 500 participants helped raise $31,000 locally. The Fletchers hope to equal or exceed those numbers.
Ms Fletcher is challenging the entire community to volunteer, participate and donate.
Event day registration begins at 8 a.m. at the park beside the Unionville Library. The non-competitive run starts at 9 a.m., travelling along Too Good Pond to 16th Avenue and back.
It’s a 10-kilometre route with two 5 km loops. Local sponsors are supplying refreshments.
Only three cents of every dollar raised goes toward The Terry Fox Foundation administration and only a dime from each dollar underwrites fundraising costs.
The foundation is the second-largest fundraiser for cancer research in Canada. To date, more than $400 million has been raised by the organization.
In addition to participants with pledges, the event still seeks volunteers and donation sponsors.
To support or enter the run, contact the Fletchers at 416-859-6868 or e-mail
fletcher4168@rogers.com.
For information on the Sept. 14 run, the Sept. 26 Terry Fox School Run or the Sept. 12 work-day run, call 1-888-836-9786 or visit
terryfoxrun.org