Sept. 15 marked the 33rd annual Prince George Terry Fox Run. This year's community-wide goal set out for the run was to exceed 500 participants. Guess what, Prince George? You did it.
Six hundred and three people officially rocked the Prince George Terry Fox Run this year and managed to raise just shy of $10,000 towards cancer research. Incredible. One of the main reasons this goal was beaten is because of the 30-plus volunteers and numerous contributors, including a local engineer who counted every single person who crossed the finish line.
I would like to specifically thank Liza Arnold and Lindsay Timmermans for their unbelievable support and dedicated efforts towards ensuring this community event is a success each and every September. These two local volunteers, just like Terry Fox, are heroes of mine for all their efforts. In addition, two huge thumbs up to local DJ, Dave Mothus, from the P.G. Entertainment Group, who spent the entire morning on Sunday pumping up the crowd with great music.
I also want to extended my appreciation to Mary Cartwright, after she spent the entire weekend baking up hundreds of her famous chocolate chip cookies for everyone to enjoy. She raised more than $250, which goes directly to the Terry Fox Foundation. It's definitely worth mentioning that the girls selling T-shirts, as always, did a fantastic job. Also, cheers to Superstore for donating hundreds of dollars worth of refreshments and snacks for participants - and yes, they do this every single year.
I am grateful to the Northern Sport Centre and YMCA of northern B.C. who donated memberships that raised a ton of money towards the Terry Fox Foundation. Also, thanks to the NSC trainers (Robyn and Liz) and the UNBC varsity teams for leading the group warm-up. On a personal note, I'm indebted to my partner, Crystal, for allowing me to store a basement full of Terry Fox Run supplies at our house for the next year as I officially step into the lead organizer position.
Speaking about the 2014 Terry Fox Run, here comes the next community challenge for Prince George: 1,000 participants and a fundraising goal of $20,000. Think it's possible? I say bring it on.
Scott McWalter
Prince George
