Pandemic hasn't stopped Terry Fox events
Schools find creative ways to participate in fundraiser while keeping kids safe
The pandemic has not prevented children at schools around the country from participating in annual Terry Fox charity events, even if some aren't actually running this year.
For the 40th anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope, the charity asked schools to choose an activity that allows for physical distancing.
That could be anything from a traditional run to hula hooping or sit-ups, said Bob Fox, a spokesperson for the charity that carries his brother's name.
About 9,000 schools across the country take part in the annual event, said Fox, and while numbers aren't in yet, he expects it will be about the same participation rate this year.
Many schools held events on Sept. 30, but some are scheduled throughout October and November as well.
Schools were encouraged to create a fundraising webpage to allow donations to be made online rather than having children collect cash or cheques in person, he said.
Of the $24 million raised by the Terry Fox Foundation last year, about $13 million was from events held at schools, with the remainder from community runs, said Fox.
The community event was organized virtually this year, with participants choosing an activity and doing it on their own rather than gathering for a run.
Fox said he never considered cancelling the event, which raises money for cancer research.
“The one thing we know is that people still deal with cancer every day.”
Students at Ottawa's Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic Elementary School held their run last week.
Each class had its own loop in the schoolyard and the goal was 40 laps, said teacher Santiago Costa.
“The kindergartners had some very small laps,” he said with a laugh. Children kept their distance from each other as they ran.
A virtual assembly was held at the school to help get children excited about the event, he said.
Some children also did 40 jumping jacks and 40 stretches.
“At this school, (the children) are just very, very happy, super enthusiastic. They love it.”
Costa said the event was a nice break.
“School is different this year. We're all wearing masks and we can't see each other's smiles as much. We can't give the kids high fives.
“We do our best, but it's been tough.”