Written by a volunteer for the Windermere Terry Fox Run
As a millennial, I have been involved in a Terry Fox Run almost every single year since kindergarten, which represents 24 events. It was always an important event for my family, as we lost my grandpa early in life due to cancer. My mother became involved in our local Windermere Terry Fox Run a few years after it began and she has been an integral part of the Windermere Terry Fox Run ever since. She instilled in me the desire to help make a difference. I am now part of the Windermere Terry Fox Run organizing committee, which is something I am very proud of. The fact that, in my lifetime, cancer mortality rates have dropped 17 per cent for women and 32 per cent for men makes me believe we are making a difference.
This year is the 20th anniversary for the Windermere Terry Fox Run. We have gone from a small run of 54 participants and volunteers, who raised $2,016, to a run more than double in size with 118 participants and volunteers that raised an amazing $27,908. The small Hamlet of Windermere astounds us every year. People come great distances to join our run and silent auction. Certainly all of the amazing local businesses that year after year provide us with magnificent silent auctions items have contributed greatly. For these reasons, Windermere has managed to raise more donation money than many larger towns, year after year.
Our goal this year is to reach a 20-year grand total of $400,000 raised for the Terry Fox Foundation with $20,000 needed this year to reach our goal. We are confident that in celebration of our 20th run anniversary with the amazing supporters, participants and volunteers of the Windermere Run, we will be able to reach and even surpass this goal. Nearly one in two Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. But you can help make a difference even if running is not your thing! Come walk, listen to the band, have lunch, celebrate and shop the silent auction.
Please feel welcome to join us at 9 a.m. on Sept. 15 at the Windermere Village Hall for our 20th Terry Fox Run.
