Sunday morning’s downpours didn’t dampen the spirits of those participating in Barrie’s 42nd annual Terry Fox Run.
Hundreds went to the waterfront to raise money for cancer research, despite rain which reached torrential levels at times.
Robbielynn St. Louis, three-year-old daughter Eva Vollick, father Nick Vollick and Diesel, their boxer, were participating in their first Terry Fox Run, equipped with umbrellas and a children’s vehicle for Eva.
“I want her to grow up to give back, to help others,” St. Louis said of Eva. “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer in their lives.”
St. Louis said her Barrie family could be travelling five kilometres that day, 10 kilometres or somewhat less, depending on Mother Nature.
Riley Kilburn, 14, was dropped off by her dad, Chris, first thing Sunday to volunteer for the event’s organizers.
“I want to come to the Terry Fox Run because it’s a very important cause,” Riley said, standing out of the rain inside the pre-registration pavilion. “I want to help people.”
It was her first time volunteering at the city’s event.
Chris Kilburn said his family used to attend the Brechin Terry Fox Run, but switched to Barrie’s when the family moved here.
“We’ve had family members who have experienced cancer,” he said, mentioning his wife and his brother. “We’re happy to play a small part to help with a disease that has affected so many people.”
The goal, according to a chart on the pre-registration pavilion, is $250,000 this year.
This year’s Terry Fox Run was dedicated to Will Dwyer, who raised approximately $1.2 million for the Barrie event. Centennial South Park, part of the race course Sunday, was officially re-named Will Dwyer Park at a recent ceremony. Known as 'The Million Dollar Man,' Dwyer died at age 96 last May.
“He raised more money than any other Canadian,” said Marilyn Nigro, Barrie Terry Fox Run committee chairperson.
Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman, Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey and Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin braved Sunday morning’s rain storm for the official kickoff of the Terry Fox Run.
“Just know that as we brace this weather, Terry braced a lot of weather,” Khanjin said, as the rain pelted down.
For more information on Barrie’s Terry Fox Run, visit facebook.com/barrietfr/.
