Terry Fox numbers once again on the rise in Rupert

Last Sunday's Terry Fox run, once again demonstrated the generosity of Rupertites as the total returns in fundraising are expected to be some 6,000 dollars above last years totals.

Local Terry Fox Run legend, Jim Terrion once again led the pack both in spirit and in fundraising, as he collected over 20,000 dollars in pledge money. Terrion who now lives in Prince George, returned home on holiday time in order to participate in the event he has become symbolic for in the community.

Overall, the Rupert version of the Cross Canada run is expected to bring in close to if not more than 25,000 dollars. A figure that is impressive as it's more than many larger communities in the province have totalled up.

The Daily News had details on the remarkable numbers in Tuesday's paper.

Terry Fox Run is on track for another huge total
By Patrick Witwicki
The Daily News
Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Pages one and two

Jim Terrion did it again.

The Prince Rupert fundraising superstar, who on his own, has raised more than $456,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation, once again broke the $20,000 barrier, as he managed to raise $20,405 in Prince Rupert, despite having only two and a half weeks in which to do so.

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All in all, Terrion's efforts, in addition to other funds collected by Rupertites, add up to a very successful fundraising campaign for the Terry Fox Run, which was held on Sunday starting at Northern Savings Credit Union.

The grand total isn't yet known, but Northern Savings' Heidi Harris, Terry Fox Run coordinator, believes the number should come in at around $25,000, up nearly $6,000 from a year ago.

"I'm just amazed at the great support," she said. "We're waiting for the dust to settle, and still waiting to hear from schools."

Terrion, on his own, raised $21,605, which includes $1,200 that he raised in Prince George before spending his holidays in Rupert where he raised the majority of the funds. By way of comparison, the city of Victoria - with a population of 78,000, not including outlining areas - could only raise $15,000.

Prince George, at press time, has reportedly only raised $12,000 but that number is expected to increase during the next few days as late pledges come in.

Another new addition to the Terry Fox Run was the inclusion of the "head shave," as 10 willing participants shaved their heads to raise funds for the Terry Fox Foundation.

"It was very well-received," said Harris. "It was quite cute ... and it was well-done."

Following the head shave, two women graciously donated their long hair to be used for wigs for cancer survivors.