WSD schools continue Terry Fox Run during COVID-19

Winnipeg School Division students raised over $12,000 for cancer research from last September’s Terry Fox Run. 

Thirty nine WSD schools participated in the annual event in 2020, raising $12,275.45 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Last year marked the 40^th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. 

In 1980, with one leg amputated due to cancer, Fox attempted an east to west cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. After 143 days of pounding the pavement, the Winnipeg-born activist was forced to end his run outside Thunder Bay when the cancer spread to his lungs. He died nine months later. 

“Terry’s legacy carries on in the spirit, passion and determination of your schools as they fundraise and fight alongside the cancer patients who count on us for hope,” said Breanne Nemez, Terry Fox Foundation school and events coordinator.

École Sir William Osler School raised $1,545.75 for cancer research, ranking 31^st in fundraising among Manitoba schools. 

“We put a lot of effort into our Terry Fox Run and our Terry Fox fundraising, but knowing that we’re one of the smallest schools, to hit that top 50 is pretty exciting,” said Dominique Ostermann, SWO principal. 

“We’ve always called ourselves the little school with a big heart. When things are important to our community, we make sure we follow through with it.”

In pre-pandemic times, SWO’s entire student population would run around the schoolyard at the same time, but in 2020, students ran only with their individual classrooms in half-hour increments. 

Prior to the run, SWO students watched a video about Terry Fox, his run, and his legacy. 

“When they went out and did their run, they understood what they were running for,” Ostermann said.