Community members gathered Friday afternoon to watch the Terry Fox flag raised, marking the start of the 2026 Terry Fox Run campaign, which officially began April 12.
Stonewall Terry Fox Run committee members and supporters mark the start of the 2026 campaign with a flag raising ceremony outside the town office in Stonewall last Friday
Stonewall Terry Fox Run committee member Cathy Goresky said the event continues a legacy that began 46 years ago in St. John’s, N.L., when Terry Fox dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean and began his odyssey.
Fox ran an average of 26 miles a day for six months before being forced to stop on Sept. 1, 1980, just outside Thunder Bay, Ont. Before returning to British Columbia for treatment, he said, “I’m going to do my best. I’ll fight. I promise I won’t give up.”
“We continue this promise each year,” Goresky said, noting the event raises money for cancer research.
She added the Stonewall community raised more than $48,000 last year.
“These crucial funds help Canada’s best scientists push cancer research to the finish line and find new ways to save lives,” she said. “Every step, every event and every dollar brings us closer to achieving Terry’s dream.”
Stonewall Mayor Sandra Smith said the local committee’s success is remarkable, noting it ranks second in fundraising in Manitoba, behind Winnipeg.
“It shows what the power of community and the power of passion can do,” she said. “What you do in our community is to be commended.”
This year’s run will take place Sunday, Sept. 20 at Stonewall Quarry Park. Registration begins at noon, with the run and walk starting at 1 p.m. The Stonewall run site will be available for registration and donations starting April 12 at terryfox.org.
The Stonewall Terry Fox Run committee will host a Bud, Spud & Steak Night on Thursday, May 21 at the Rockwood Motor Inn. Tickets are $25. For tickets or more information, contact Mary at 204-792-1962 or Lil at 204-781-8764.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call 1-204-467-5842.
