Schools keep Terry's dream alive
Posted By Lori Penner
Posted 1 month ago
At West Park School in Altona, 211 students were encouraged to wear red and donate a toonie in memory of Terry Fox.
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When Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980, he had no idea what an impact it would have on generations of Canadians.
From the moment he dipped his artificial leg in the water at the harbour in St. John’s Newfoundland, Canadians became captivated with this young man who had survived cancer and was determined to fight back by raising funds for research to find a cure.
His dream was to run 5,300 km across Canada and raise money to fight the disease that claimed his leg.
But his journey was cut short 143 days and 3,339 miles later when his cancer returned. By then, he had already raised $1.7 million. Before he died 10 months later, he knew he realized his dream: $24.17 million had been raised in his name – a dollar from every Canadian.
To date, more than $400 million has been raised worldwide through the annual Terry Fox Run. This year’s run was officially held Sept. 13, with the National School Day Run held Sept. 25.
Locally, several schools did their part to raise funds and awareness for Terry’s cause. Students were encouraged to wear red and to bring a loonie to donate in his name.
Most of the 424 students and staff members at W.C. Miller participated in the run, taking one hour out of the classroom to tackle a predetermined course around Altona. They raised $256.
West Park School principal Gord Sawatzky says the 211 students at their school raised $110. “It’s not just about raising funds,” he says. “It’s also about raising awareness.” Staff members shared Terry’s story with the students. All of the Grade 4-6 students did as many laps as they could around the Altona Park and Buffalo Creek Nature Park, with four laps equaling four miles.
At Elmwood School, about 250 kids participated by running around the trail at the Altona Park. Principal Chris Hicks says the $163 they raised was only a part of what the day was all about. “This event really ties in with our philosophy of character-directed learning. Terry’s cause and his story is really a jumping point for learning about life. The run encourages a healthy body, mind and spirit, all in one activity.”
