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Terry fox run brings community together

This year the Terry Fox run in Fort St. James brought in more money than what has been seen in over seven years.
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Lauri Deveau

Rebecca Watson

Caledonia Courier

The parking lot at Cottonwood Park was nearly full as an outstanding number of participants hustled around the loop at this year’s Terry Fox Run on Sunday September 14.

Over 100 people participated and  $3,288 was donated to cancer research, the most money raised in more than seven years by the event in Fort St. James.

People came from all over town and surrounding areas to take part including Prince George, Calgary, Smithers and Telkwa. The Post Office Girls team was given a extra big applause for their outstanding contribution of $1,200.

Anna Waddell, a teacher at Sowchea School, ran with her two daughters Amy and Leah.

“It’s a great cause that brings the community together. We’ve done it every year, even as a kid I remember running in the Terry Fox run,” said Ms. Waddell. “It’s been a little more personal the last couple years since loosing the girls grandmother but it’s just one of those things you do every fall.”

A big effort was noticed by volunteers and participants alike for this years organizer Heide Heiman who was seen at various events prior to run day creating awareness and selling merchandise. Lauri Deveau, a previous organizer, came out from Smithers to participate and congratulated Ms. Heiman on a job well done.

“No one has ever gone out prior to the event selling stuff,” said Ms. Deveau, who ran the Terry Fox run in Fort St. James for over 25 years.

A shout out by Ms. Heiman was given to all the volunteers including Kim Henderson, Binder Sanghera, Sheridan Tamayo-Henderson and Maria Riske. Also to the sponsors including Overwaitea foods who donated juice and granola bars and Ouellette Bros who donated water.

“I’m very grateful for all the people from the community who came out to help us raise money and awareness for the Terry Fox Foundation. We had a beautiful day and I appreciate all the support,” said Ms. Heiman whose grandfather beat cancer three times so for her, it’s a practical cause that helps to save people’s lives. “It’s just a wonderful thing.”