Students at Beiseker Community School will follow in the steps of Terry Fox Sept. 26, when they run to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.
“This is something we want to honour and respect and pay tribute to, because cancer still ends up being one of those things that does affect students and parents and family members even today,” said principal Barry Anderson. “Continuing that research, continuing his efforts to find a cure to conquer cancer – this is a way for us to contribute research money to continue that fight.”
The school’s Terry Fox Run corresponds with the national date when schools across Canada will hold their own events. Students in Grades 1 through 12 will participate, and Anderson said parents are specifically invited to take part in the run, but also welcomes the rest of Beiseker to join.
“If we have town members that want to come and join us, we’re opening it up,” he said. “We want to make this inclusive, and we do want to involve and welcome the community to join us.”
According to the Village of Beiseker, the school’s event is the only Terry Fox Run taking place in the community.
A brief assembly at 2 p.m. commences activities, Anderson said, highlighting the historical importance of Fox and the run.
“Terry Fox is a legend, but the majority of our students, if not all our students, were not born at the time when Terry Fox did his run,” he said. “It’s important for us to give the students the background – who is Terry Fox, what was his campaign, why are we doing this and why is it something we continue to do, even today?”
Then, around 2:15 p.m., participants will set out on a pre-determined route, and are allowed to walk or run the circuit as many times as they wish until the event wraps up at 3.
A major component of the event, Anderson noted, is fundraising for cancer research.
“The slogan is ‘Toonies for Terry,’” he said. “We’re inviting all students and parents to bring in a donation of at least a toonie for the Terry Fox Foundation.”
Last year, the school raised more than $1,200, according to Anderson. He’s confident, with a larger student body this year, the school will exceed that total.
Involving students in the Terry Fox Run is a great way to not only teach students about an iconic figure in Canadian history, he said, but also instills the values of citizenship, volunteerism, fundraising and leadership. The event will also foster a sense of connection among the Beiseker School community, he said, as well as the wider village.
