The second Sunday after Labour Day is reserved for Canadians as the day of the annual Terry Fox Run - a day to support those who have fought cancer, to raise money to combat the disease, and to remember Terry Fox, who dedicated his life to raising awareness around the illness.
In Acton, there was no doubt that Sunday, September 20, 2020 was dedicated to Fox, but the fundraising efforts were different to how they have been over the past forty years.
Individuals could log kilometres and money-raised on a dedicated Acton page on the Terry Fox website, or buy merchandise to support the cause. Similar to how other organizations have operated in the pandemic, but Jon Hurst, who has Chaired the Acton event for its entirety and his team wanted to do more.
At noon, Hurst and Wally Ella held a socially-distanced barbecue after the service at Churchill Community Church, accepted donations and selling merchandise. Ella has for many years sold “Wally Burgers” at the Annual Run, so even though it was an adaptation, the fundraising was rooted in an annual tradition.
Hurst then went to the Red Harp, Downtown Acton. Volunteers set up wooden boards with pictures from years past on the Harp’s extended patio. The boards usually adorn the run’s entrance at the Acton District High School track. Patrons were once again able to buy merchandise and otherwise donate to the cause.
This year’s top fundraiser was Kathy Hall who raised $3550.00.
“During the last 40 years, along with many other dedicated Acton Terry Fox Run Committee members, I have been so privileged to have had the opportunity to share Terry's message and mission with so many people in Acton, continuing Terry's dream of finding a cure for cancer and raising over $880,000 for the cause.” Said Hurst.
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