Put on your best red-and-white Canadian outfit and join hundreds of thousands of Canadians at a Terry Fox Run on Sunday, Sept. 18, with the local event starting at Mile 0.
Victoria is one of more than 800 communities taking part in the annual fundraising event to honour the indomitable spirit of Fox. His example of courage and perseverance during his Marathon of Hope run in 1980 captured the nation’s attention. At that time cancer was a disease that was referred to in whispers.
He broke stereotypes, attempting to run across Canada, an athletic feat few able-bodied athletes would even consider. He ran with his artificial leg exposed, talking about his experience with cancer and giving hope to those suffering from the disease.
His grassroots approach was a direct reflection of who he was — and Canadians embraced him with an intensity rarely seen before.
“Terry Fox Runs wouldn’t happen each year in 117 cities across B.C. without our residents’ commitment to continue Terry’s dream to find a cure for cancer,” said Fred Fox, Terry’s older brother.
Terry Fox Runs are a non-competitive, all-inclusive, family-oriented activity where participants can choose to run, walk, blade or bike. People can choose between a five- or 10-kilometre course.
Participants can also get their heads shaved at the event’s Terry Fox Great Canadian Hair Do. Watch as firefighters from Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt and Oak Bay lose their locks. The Hair Do runs 10:15 a.m. to noon.
People can register online or on-site starting at 9 a.m., Sept. 18. Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. and the warm-up starts at 10:20, with the run commencing at 10:30 a.m. The event winds up at noon at Mile 0 (junction of Douglas Street and Dallas Road). Registration is on the grass, with limited accessibility for people on wheelchairs, bicycles and rollerblades. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Terry Fox Foundation, an international organization whose mission is to maintain the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Runs, school runs and other fundraising initiatives. To date, more than $700 million has been raised worldwide in Terry Fox’s name to fund the most promising and innovative research in Canada. For more information, go to terryfox.org.
Walk for ALS next Sunday at UVic
Show your support for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at the Peoples Drug Mart Walk for ALS Victoria on Sunday, Sept. 18 at the University of Victoria.
This is the 15th year of the annual family-friendly event, which consists of an easy 4.2 or 2.1-kilometre walk — or just relaxing at the race location. The event is the largest volunteer-led fundraiser for ALS in Canada.
The community event brings together families, teams, volunteers and sponsors to show their support for local families struggling daily with ALS.
ALS is a fatal neuromuscular disease that affects the motor neurons that carry messages to the muscles. When the muscles fail to receive messages, they lose strength, atrophy and die, leaving the person immobilized.
“Contributions to the Peoples Drug Mart Walk for ALS Victoria go toward supporting the ALS Society of B.C.’s patient-services programs (60 per cent), and the ALS Canada research program (40 per cent),” said Cheryalee Hutchison, local walk co-ordinator. “Proceeds of the event will ensure promising research is funded, and support is provided to people affected by ALS in our communities. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and the extensive network of committed ALS volunteers working in our communities, we are making unprecedented inroads.”
People are invited to a barbecue immediately following the event. The meal is by donation ($5 suggested) and is sponsored by Country Grocer and prepared by Oak Bay Rotary.
Other event highlights include a Silent Auction and a caricature artist. Live entertainment provided by Craig Henderson Trio and Knacker’s Yard.
There is still time to register for the walk, which starts and ends in parking lot 10 of the University of Victoria. Check-in is at 11:30 a.m. with the walk starting at 1 p.m. on Sept. 18. The public is welcome to attend. For more information, go to walkforals.ca.
HeroWork project kicks off on Friday
The opening ceremony of a veritable modern-day barn-raising takes place on Friday as one charity helps another charity that helps the community.
The Rainbow Kitchen Radical Renovation is the brainchild of the HeroWork Society, an organization that brings together people and companies to help charities and non-profits with aging facilities.
Over the next three weekends, as many as 400 volunteers will help renovate the Rainbow Kitchen, in Esquimalt United Church, 500 Admirals Rd. The non-denominational community kitchen serves 36,000 meals a year.
At Friday’s event, as many as 100 volunteers, sponsors, neighbours and military personal will gather at the military parking lot at the end of Lyall Street and march to the project, led by a 16-piece military band.
After a brief ceremony, 70 people will walk into the renovation site and begin demolition. Simultaneously, a block party starts, with the Vintage Funk band entertaining and the Lions Club of Esquimalt serving hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. There will be face-painting for children, games and more.
The public is invited to attend. The parade begins at 5 p.m. Friday, ceremonies start at 5:10, party runs 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 500 Admirals Rd. For more information, go to herowork.com.
Cycling to Halifax for cancer programs
Riding in relay-style, 40 cyclists set off last week from the B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver on a 7,000-kilometre ride across Canada in the 2016 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.
The ride, which takes 17 days to conclude in Halifax Sept. 26, is one of the biggest and most ambitious charity cycling events in the world on behalf of childhood cancer programs.
The riders will be joined along the way by hundreds of other cyclists who will take part in shorter distances in major cities.
Every day, the cyclists will participate in events at Sears stores and visit many of Canada’s 17 pediatric oncology centres and hospitals.
This is the ninth year of the event, organized by the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. It partners with title sponsor Sears Canada and other sponsors who collectively work to keep administration and promotion expenses to a minimum.
The annual fundraiser has raised and donated more than $8 million to not-for-profit organizations that work to improve the quality of life for children and their families who are living with and beyond cancer. Funds are directed at national initiatives in support of childhood oncology programs, as well as to local and community programs.
For more information, to register as a rider or a volunteer, or to make a donation, call 1-855-352-6470 or visit SearsNationalKidsCancerRide.com.
Motor show aids Foster foundation
Join in a day of family fun and an exciting lineup of cars and motorcycles at the 2016 Vancouver Island Motor Gathering, Sunday, Sept. 18.
Proceeds from the event, which sees a gathering of classic, one-of-a-kind, custom and modern vehicles, benefit the David Foster Foundation and Cowichan District Hospital Foundation.
Last year, with the support of sponsors and the local community, the event raised more than $118,000 in cash and in excess of $200,000 of in-kind donations.
Suggested donation for admission is $5. Vehicle registration runs 8 to 10 a.m., general admission 11 a.m., awards 1:30 p.m., conclusion 2 p.m. at the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit, 4063 Cowichan Valley Hwy., Cowichan. For more information, go to motorgathering.com.
United Way aims to fill a house
The United Way is encouraging Victorians to help “Fill the House” as part of the 2016 campaign launch on Wednesday.
United Way and its community partners are looking to provide youth, families, adults and seniors who need a bit of help with basic necessities for an apartment or house.
Products collected will benefit Artemis Place Society, Anawim House, Umbrella Society for Mental Health and Addictions, Pacifica Housing, Victoria Cool Aid Society, Our Place, Esquimalt Neighbourhood House, Sooke Family Resources, 1 UP Single Parent Resource Centre and Beacon Community Services.
People are encouraged to pick a room and collect the items and drop them off between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Mayfair mall parking lot (at the Blanshard Street and Finlayson Street entrance). A community barbecue and speeches will take place between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. For more information, go to uwgv.ca.
Thanksgiving food drive answers a need
Look out for volunteers dropping off empty bags and information at residences between Sept. 12 and 15 as the annual B.C. Thanksgiving Food Drive ramps up.
The food drive, which began in 2009 in Burnaby, is a volunteer initiative that is working toward a solution to food insecurity.
Last year, the campaign received more than 181,000 kilograms of food, valued at over $900,000. A donation of this size amounts to an approximate two-month supply for food banks.
“Despite the prosperity in our province, more than 100,000 people turn to local food banks each year for help,” said Richard Rush, a volunteer with the group. “Over half are families with children, and 40 per cent of all recipients are children under the age of 18. The need for food is only increasing.”
Residents are asked to fill the bags, which will be picked up from residences on Saturday, Sept. 17.
For more information, go to bctfooddrive.org.
Fundraising trip delayed by stroke
Many people have walked, biked or driven across Canada in all manner of vehicles, but Brandon Harrison took three years to complete the journey on his longboard to raise awareness and funds for cancer in young kids.
It typically does not take three years to cross Canada.
After setting off from St. John’s, N.L., and covering 5,400 kilometres in 115 days, Harrison and his father were in Red Deer, Alta. Then disaster struck. He was at a fundraising event supporting the Heart and Stroke Foundation when he suffered a stroke — and woke up from an induced coma three days later on his 20th birthday.
Harrison, who beat cancer as a toddler and survived two strokes as a teenager, put the campaign on hiatus until he regained his strength.
But he didn’t give up on his goal. Despite partial paralysis as a result of his last stroke, the young man, now with the support of his stepfather, Jason Green, arrived in Victoria recently, three years after he started.
He has dedicated the proceeds of his fundraiser to both the Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“Third-party fundraising is a vital part of our fundraising efforts, and when it comes from survivors we are so grateful that they feel that connection to what we are doing,” said Jodi Gaiser, community development co-ordinator for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. “People like Brandon are so admirable and show the public that with medical advancements from research and the support of family you can still live an active life after suffering from a stroke.”
The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a national health-based charity that leads efforts to eliminate heart disease and stroke. Its mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery.
To help Harrison reach his fundraising goal, visit his GoFundMe page — gofundme.com/9sysujc. People can find him at facebook.com; search Live-Life-Brandon-Harrison for photos and stories from his journey.
Pianists duel for two schools
Only 400 tickets are available for the Duelling Pianos, a fundraiser for two local schools, Saturday, Sept. 17 at Dunsmuir Middle School.
Duelling pianists, direct from Las Vegas, Nevada, will return to play at the school, taking each other on or taking requests by donation.
“This is such a unique fundraiser for the schools to host and a great local venue to display such talent,” said Fern Smythe, parent advisory council executive member. “We want to ensure as many people as possible hear about this event and get to experience duelling pianos. If you have never been to a show like this, there are few words to describe the experience. This is a great opportunity for the general public to get out with family and friends to experience some real talent and fantastic music.”
Proceeds benefit students at David Cameron and Dunsmuir schools.
Tickets are $25 advance, $30 at the door. Doors open at 6:30, show 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Dunsmuir Middle School, 3341 Painter Rd., Colwood. The event is for adults, 19 and older. For more information, go to dcpac.ca.
Bateman will speak at sculpture event
Artist Robert Bateman will give a talk at the Sculpture Splash at Rosemead on Monday at the English Inn.
He will give a 45-minute talk, hosted by the Township Community Arts Council.
This event is open to the public and showcases 13 artists and 50 pieces of sculpture in a heritage boutique hotel. Kirsten Sawatsky will give a sculpture demonstration with Molly Newman providing musical ambience with her harp.
Admission is free but seating is limited. Bateman will begin speaking at 7 p.m. at the English Inn, 429 Lampson St.
Sculpture Splash at Rosemead kicks off a week-long indoor exhibition, culminating with Sculpture Splash, an Art Extravaganza by the Sea, a free event that takes place Sept. 17 and 18 at Macaulay Point Park, Esquimalt.
There will be 44 local, national and international artists displaying more than 150 sculptures in the outdoor Oceanside gallery. Families will enjoy food, music and a variety of activities.
The event is a project of the Township Community Arts Council, with financial support from the Township of Esquimalt, CRD, Arts Council of British Columbia and others. For more information, go to townshiparts.org.
