LAC LA BICHE - The 42nd annual Terry Fox Run dedicated to the man who was on a mission to support cancer research has wrapped up once again in Lac La Biche County.
On Sept. 18, almost 50 locals gathered to participate in the trek in the lakeside community, said Tina Skakun, one of the run’s organizers.
“We had 49, It was a pretty good turnout,” she says. The event was a success thanks to the support of community members running, donating and providing fuel for the participants to run that afternoon.
“It was nice to have community support with the peace officers coming out to do some traffic control for us, being able to have snacks and water from the IGA.”
This year, local organizers were aiming to raise $300 to support the national cancer research campaign. As donations and pledges rolled in, thousands were raised, exceeding expectations, Skakun explained.
“Between online donations, pledges and personal donations, we raised $4,363… we’re very happy about that,” adding, donations kept rolling in throughout the week.
For the dozens of local community participants, the afternoon began with registrations followed by a brief dance and warm-up held on the McArthur Place grounds. Groups then headed out for the up to 10 km walk, run and bike event, Skakun says proudly.
“The participants did a great job and just being able to be together and see that camaraderie was nice… What makes it really special is that anybody can come.”
Looking forward to organizing next year’s run paying homage to Terry Fox and the millions of miles travelled nationally to support cancer research, Skakun says the community support, effort and being a part of the event are always priceless.
“You feel good that you’re able to do something good for your community and the community at large. We feel great that one, we get so much support and two, that we can give back and volunteer to provide an option for our community to participate,” she said, thanking everyone involved.
To continue to support or donate to the Terry Fox fundraiser, visit www.terryfox.org
