“I thought it’s going to affect our numbers. It was going to deter a lot of people,” said Saucier. “Then I thought about what Terry endured. So, I put that message on Facebook and said come on out anyways.”
Saucier’s motivational message did the trick. Around 200 people gathered at Mother Teresa school for the annual Terry Fox Run in Russell. Adults, kids, walkers, runners, bikers and roller-bladers, individuals and teams set out to commemorate Terry Fox’s remarkable attempt to cross Canada on foot and raise money for cancer research.
The weather did not deter people from opening up their wallets either. Heading into the event, Saucier and her team of 25 volunteers helped raise more than $15,000 thanks to the generosity of her community. On race day, the amount raised reached over $17,000, well above their $10,000 goal. This being the 34th time organizing the event, Saucier expects this to be a banner year.
“The schools still have their runs next week,” said Saucier. “So, we’re hoping that we’re going to break 20,000. If we do, it will be our best year ever.”
Beyond the money raised, Saucier was excited to once again see the community come together for a good cause. Businesses, families and individuals pitched in to make the event one to remember.
“The firemen, paramedics and bylaw were all out making sure people got across the road safely, and that nothing happened along the trail route. It was truly a community effort all the way around,” said Saucier.