While Jim Terrion hasn’t completed his goal of raising $1 million for the Terry Fox Foundation quite yet, he did accomplish another dream this summer.
Terrion finally made it to the summit of Mt. Terry Fox, which is located adjacent to the west boundary of Mt. Robson Provincial Park, just three hours from Prince George.
“It was a tough hike, and I was very happy when I reached the top,” said Terrion, who has been canvasing and fundraising for the Terry Fox Foundation since 1991.
His goal is to reach $1 million by next summer.
To date, he has raised $879,501, which leaves him just $120,499 away form his goal.
“So far this year Prince George has helped me by donating $26,513.00 since July 22nd towards this goal,” said Terrion.
His passion for Terry Fox started back when he saw Terry dip his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean on TV and thought, “Terry is disabled and so am I”.
Terrion was born deaf, and while it’s a different disability than Terry Fox had, Terry’s ambition inspired him and he felt compelled to help Terry accomplish his dream of one day finding a cure for cancer.
It had such a profound impact on Terrion that he decided to start his own cross-country trek called the Silent Walk in 1990. His goal was to walk across Canada and back to raise awareness for people with hearing disabilities.
He walked 9,917 kilometres over eight months, covering 100 km in one day alone, and raised $150,000 for organizations that help with the deaf and hard of hearing.
Terrion said after accomplishing a mission close to his heart he was ready to focus his attention on Terry and he began to canvas and fundraise for the Terry Fox Foundation in 1991.
Every year he gets closer to his goal of raising $1 million, but he says even after he meets his goal he’s going to keep walking and fundraising in support of the Terry Fox Foundation.
The 42nd Annual Prince George Terry Fox Run takes place today (Sunday, Sept. 17) at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.
The route starts at the Bandshell at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, leading through the park and along part of the route Terry ran in 1979!
Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the course officially opens from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Those compelled to support Terrion in his fundraising campaign can also donate to his online fundraising page.
