The Terry Fox Run is looking for a new organizer to ensure the event continues running in Thompson this September.
Josh Cain, who has headed up the run committee over the past two years since taking over from previous organizer Tracey Williams, can no longer head up the event this year and none of the other current committee members are able to step up and take over for him.
This year’s run takes place Sept. 15. For the past few years, the event has started and finished at the Thompson Regional Community Centre (TRCC) lobby, with the route itself covering the western part of Thompson Drive and Cree Road.
“Anyone can do it really,” says Cain. “The only skill you really need is being willing to step outside of your comfort zone a little bit, to do a great thing for the community, and have some organizational drive.”
A little help is also essential.
“It’s really not a one-person job,” Cain says. “You need a committee of some sort to really have a successful, and fun, run. It’s a lot of work for one person alone.”
Among the tasks that the organizer oversees before the race are filling out Terry Fox Foundation paperwork to hold the run in Thompson, filling out paperwork with the city to reserve the time in the TRCC, asking local businesses and organizations for cash donations or gifts in-kind, and advertising the run in local media – “which is a big one,” Cain says. “Facebook is not good enough.”
Afterwards, the organizer needs to return the money raised to the Terry Fox Foundation.
There are plenty of resources available to assist anyone who wants to take over.
“The organizers in Winnipeg and Ontario answer any questions you may have through email and are very helpful,” Cain says. “The online resource has everything you could want for updated forms and information regarding the run. The past organizer passed on everything you need to actually hold run day … like staplers, pens, bags, tape, starting horn, cash box, the whole nine yards!”
The most important job, however, is ensuring that the race continues to be held in Thompson.
“Thompson has been a part of that countrywide effort for a long time,” Cain said. “The number one task the organizer is responsible for is keeping the memory, legacy and dreams of Terry Fox alive in Thompson. There’s a reason our whole country remembers him, and what he stood for. Together we can stand against anything.”
For more information about taking over organizing of the Thompson Terry Fox Run, contact Cain by phone at 204-783-8429, by email at trainwithcain@outlook.com or send a message to the Terry Fox Run Facebook page.
