NEWS RELEASE
TERRY FOX RUN
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Raising the Terry Fox Run flag at the Orillia Opera House Monday marked the start of Terry Fox Week in the Sunshine City. But it’s one of few events that are similar to years past as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s obviously disappointing to many people who usually join us on Terry Fox Circle in Couchiching Beach Park every year to join hundreds who have collected participant certificates, ribbons and stickers and buy that year’s t-shirts,” admits Run Organizer Alison Stoneman. “But early on the Terry Fox Foundation took the decision that no fund raising or awareness events would be held this year -- including the annual community runs usually held right across the country. And, in the interests of everyone’s safety, we fully support that decision.”
Instead of gathering at the park with the rest of the community and starting a walk/run/ride shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of others, participants are asked to take part with the rest of the community – and with others across the country – in their own way – safely, in their own neighbourhoods, backyards or living rooms. Participants and Teams are encouraged to register online to raise funds or donate to a participant at www.terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/
Commemorative 40th anniversary t-shirts are now available for purchase while supplies last, with sizes ranging from Youth to XXL. A safe, physically-distant T-shirt pick-up location and date will be provided to purchasers. Traditional certificates, participation stickers and ribbons are also available.
Contact organizers to arrange safe pick-up or drop off of items. Participants can also still dedicate their efforts to a loved one by sending organizers the name or photo with a message which will be posted on a virtual dedication board then posted online Sept. 20.
Terry Fox virtual Runs will also be held in Sugarbush (Oro-Medonte), Lagoon City-Brechin, Beaverton, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Heart of Georgian Bay (Midland area) and across Canada.
TERRY FOX WEEK EVENTS IN ORILLIA
Tuesday is Trivia Night. With a donation to the Terry Fox Foundation, you and a team of up to four members can join us for a fun trivia night online through ZOOM. Pre-registration is required.
Thursday an online Scavenger Hunt will be held. With a donation to the Terry Fox Foundation, you and members of your household can join us for a fun scavenger hunt from the safety of your own home, playing along over ZOOM. Pre-registration is required.
Friday is T-shirt Day. Everyone is encouraged to wear their Terry Fox Run T-shirt all day! At work, on your ZOOM calls, to the grocery store, or wherever your day may take you – you can help us promote the upcoming virtual Terry Fox Run.
Saturday, join us online for Movie Night. We’ll be playing the 2005 movie Terry at 7 p.m. Contact us for joining information.
Sunday is the big virtual event - THE TERRY FOX RUN – “One Day. Your Way.” Opening ceremonies, brief dignitary remarks, a virtual tour of the Orillia waterfront trail, and the always anticipated warm-up will occur online.
Video content will be shared through the Terry Fox Run - Orillia social media channels. Then, participate wherever you are, in any way you wish.
To register for any event or for more information, call 705-326-1404 or email [email protected] or visit the website.
NOTE: There will be no official Terry Fox Run Committee presence at Couchiching Beach Park or along the waterfront trail in Orillia. Same goes for every other Terry Fox Run in Canada.
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