The hard work and dedication of students at St. Anthony’s has earned them a visit from a member of Terry Fox’s family.
St. Anthony’s has been a great supporter of the Terry Fox School Run and has raised more than $80,000 in the last 10 years. This year’s School walk day is September 24 and they have set the lofty goal of raising $12,500.
Leading up to the event, Fred Fox, older brother of Terry Fox, will be at the school to do a presentation.
"They are a wonderful school, and have always had really successful fundraising events at the school,” explains Amanda Gratton, school coordinator for the Terry Fox Foundation for Alberta, Nunavut and Northwest Territories. “Those schools like that, we try to get Fred Fox out to, kind of a reward, but also to learn a little more about him, to get to meet his family.”
She explains they are doing a tour of schools in Edmonton, Calgary, Vulcan and Drumheller. They have also arranged to visit Greentree School and are reaching out to DVSS.
“He is a wonderful public speaker,” said Gratton. “I can go out and talk about the Terry Fox Foundation, but there is a certain element of having a Fox family member tell their story. He grew up with Terry and has stories he can share. His passion is beyond anything we have.”
Gavin Makse has helped coordinate the School Run at St. Anthony’s for years. He is excited about Fox coming to meet the students.
“It is a phenomenal thing. Who better to come to our school and talk about Terry’s journey than his brother? We are vey happy about it, not only is it going to promote the walk and run and fundraising, but the legacy of Terry Fox,” said Makse.
He said the value of the visit and the run is more than the fundraising, but a teaching moment for the students.
“These kids weren’t alive when Terry Fox did his run, so it is educating them. That is why it is great to have someone like Fred Fox come and speak at our school,” said Makse.
Fox is coming to speak to the students at St. Anthony’s on Thursday, September 18 at 9:15 a.m.
The St. Anthony’s School Terry Fox Run Day is on Wednesday, September 24 and takes on a 3 kilometre loop in the Midland area.
