Vassar continues 46-year Terry Fox tradition

Mementoes and photographs of past Terry Fox Runs adorned the wall of the small community club in Vassar on Sunday. Participants filed in and were greeted by name. The smell of coffee was in the air, and tables included the latest Terry Fox swag available for purchase.

The event ran like clockwork. Donations were processed, a short speech was made, a group photo was taken and the walk began.

Later they met up for hot dogs.

Judy Preteau was the original organizer of the walk and continues 46 years later.

She said she’s not about to stop any time soon.

The 81-year-old still recalls watching Terry Fox on his Marathon of Hope in 1980.

Last year she was honoured for her commitment, receiving an award and a visit from Terry’s brother, Fred Fox.

“I’m still able to do it and I won’t quit until I’m gone,” Preteau said with a smile on Sunday.

Preteau said she has a long list of family and friends who have been taken by cancer.

“I think it’s important that people keep on doing it so we can have an end to this cancer,” she said. “I hope that the Terry Fox Run keeps on because that’s the way Terry would have wanted it.”

Vassar hosts the only community Terry Fox Run in southeast Manitoba and is one of 24 in the province. A total of 550 communities across Canada host the annual event.

Preteau said in the early days Vassar had massive participation, thanks to all the children that attended.

Because schools do their own runs, the numbers have shrunk, this year attracting close to 20.

“We have to go and finish it,” she said quoting part of the slogan that accompanies the run.

Before heading out on the walk, Preteau’s great-niece Randine Cayer read a speech written by Preteau.

“You are part of something truly special,” she said. “Your support continues Terry’s dream of a world without cancer.”

With an approximate $3,000 raised annually in recent years, she said the money is important.

“Every dollar represents generosity, compassion and the belief that better outcomes for people facing cancer are possible,” she said.