Editor:
I write this as the Run Organizer for the Terry Fox Run in New Westminster for the past 11 years. Thank you very much for the thoughtful and motivating editorial in last week's paper about Terry Fox and his dream. I appreciate all the support offered for this annual event. Terry Fox is worthy of our utmost respect and admiration.
Some notes from this year's Run: The rain was relentless but it could not hold a candle to the dedication and enthusiasm of the New Westminster participants. We had about 210 walkers, runners and wheelers with 40 volunteers helping me make the event a success.
Here is a quote form one ardent supporter, six-year-old Jonah: "A little water's [rain] not going to stop me. I'm running for Terry Fox."
One participant participated in her 36th (out of 38) Terry Fox Run.
The New West ambassadors were there in force along the route and with their signs to cheer on the participants.
The NW Terry Fox Run has raised over $18,000 this year to date and more donations are still coming in online. I think Terry would be well pleased with the remarkable support shown by the New West participants who showed up on a very wet Sunday morning at the Quay.
Two individuals raised $5,000 each.
The Terry Fox Foundation is an excellent steward of donation money with 84 cents of every dollar raised going directly to fund cancer research.
There is no budget for run organizers. The River Market team and my other corporate sponsors - Pamola Bakery, Tre Galli cafe, Great Wall of Tea, SaveOn Food, Safeway, Uptown Market, Quiksilver and Ironwood Boats donate food and services year after year. St John ambulance sends a crew of volunteers every year. My friends and their friends and my family willingly help out every year.
The Run will be back next year, same time, same place, third Sunday of September at 10 o'clock, River Market.
Kathy Jones, New West
