Due to COVID-19 restrictions, two events that raise money for cancer research will look a bit different this year.
The Terry Fox Run in Red Deer, which is this Sunday, will have the theme, “One Day, Your Way.” The mission is for Canadians to unite in spirit and not in person.
“We’re encouraging people to still do the run on Sunday, any way and anywhere you want,” said Lori Hutchings, one of the Red Deer run’s organizers.
“This year was a really important year the Terry Fox Foundation has been working up to, because it’s the 40th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope, which is the original run that Terry Fox did.
“They still wanted to make this year as successful as possible, create awareness and fundraise.”
For more information or to register for the run, visit www.terryfox.org.
“We’ve got a great community spirit. Our run tends to raise between $10,000 and $15,000 each year. We’re about halfway there so far with online donations – we’re hoping to still meet our goal,” Hutchings said.
“The foundation as a whole has raised $850 million through 40 years for cancer research.”
The website says participants can decide how they will take part in the event.
“We leave it up to you to choose how to celebrate your Terry Fox effort – walk, run, dance, hike – on a favourite route and with your favourite people. Most importantly, we need you to honour the day by fundraising for cancer research,” the website said.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, which raises money for breast cancer research, will be reimagined this year as well due to COVID-19.
The run, which takes place Oct. 4, will be transformed into an event with both physical and virtual components.
Central Albertans will be able to create and customize their own virtual runner through a mobile app and website, fundraise to unlock rewards and track their activity, a Run for the Cure press release said.
As a higher risk population, people living with cancer rely on the same health-care system that is still responding to COVID-19 and its impacts, the press release said.
“Now, more than ever, the CIBC Run for the Cure needs your support to ensure that no Canadian has to face breast cancer alone,” says run director Janet Dixie.
“Cancer doesn’t stop being a life-changing and life-threatening disease in the middle of a pandemic, and that’s why we will never stop running to support people affected by breast cancer.”
Canadians can register for or donate to the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For The Cure at cibcrunforthecure.com.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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