The Terry Fox Run to raise money for cancer research is an annual tradition in communities across Canada but the Thompson edition will require a new co-ordinator this year if it is remain a tradition in Thompson.
Tracey Williams, who has organized the local run for the past eight years, is moving out of town and is looking for someone to pass on the job and the knowledge she has accumulated in her time holding the reins.
The job itself, says Williams, is not difficult and doesn't require any special training - just motivation and passion.
The main duties before the day of the run, which is being held on Sunday, Sept. 17 this year, include local promotion like putting up posters and getting the word out through local media. The co-ordinator also books a space to serve as headquarters - for the last few years the run has started and finished at the Vale Regional Community Centre and establishing the route.
"The day of the run it's setting up the run site, setting up the run route with the signs and organizing the volunteers," says Williams. "It's not hard at all."
What's more, she says, you get a lot out of it too.
"You get to meet tons of people as well as some satisfaction that you're giving back to the community," she says. "It's multi-generational. You see the same people every year, which is great."
Anyone who steps forward to take over the job is not going to be left to sink or swim on their own.
"I have all the previous - for the last eight years - information on a data stick that would be passed on," Williams says. "All relevant information would be given to the next co-ordinator. I'm not just walking in and going here take it over."
There are also resources available at the provincial and national levels.
"You're not alone when you're co-ordinating this," says Williams. "You get tons and tons of support."
The Terry Fox Foundation would like to have a Thompson run co-ordinator in place as soon as possible and anyone who's interested can either contact Williams by email at terryfoxthompson@mymts.net or on her cell phone at 204-679-8495 or get in touch with provincial co-ordinator Debbie Dunlop via her toll-free number at 1-888-836-9786.
"If you have any questions about what it entails or you might be interested, you can either contact me or Debbie Dunlop," Williams says.
