Terry Fox run tops per capita in Ontario
By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Dresden’s Terry Fox Run continues to hit it out of the park.
In its 25th year, in the midst of a pandemic, the 2020 virtual event managed to raise $46,037, putting it in the top spot for money raised per capita in Ontario.
Dresden’s run, which continues to draw overwhelming community support year after year, also ranked 23rd for the amount of money raised in the province.
It’s another triumph for organizer Cindy Brewer, who has been co-ordinating Dresden’s Terry Fox Run since its inception.
Brewer has now turned the reins over to Megan Robinson, joking that she’s “glad to go out with a bang.”
Brewer said the run’s per capita performance is “pretty startling” considering the fact the pandemic forced Dresden to hold its first-ever virtual event.
The use of social media made the difference, Brewer explained.
“We really changed gears in 2020,” she said. “We put a huge focus on social media and tried new things that were way out of our comfort zone.”
The Dresden committee created a series of 40-second commercials to recruit and encourage participants.
Chatham-Kent was well represented among Ontario list of the top 25 per capita funds raised. Blenheim’s Terry Fox event came in at 16th place and Tilbury was No. 20.
“It’s great to see the three of them all on there,” Brewer noted.
The veteran organizer said she is excited about Robinson taking over.
“I want to hand it over and watch her go,” Brewer said. “She has a lot of ideas and a lot of energy.
“And I’m just a phone call away.”
