It’s no surprise that people in Arborg and surrounding communities came out in force a few weeks ago to raise another awe-inspiring amount of money for the Terry Fox Foundation and cancer research.
Arborg’s 2025 Terry Fox Run raised $29,307.84 and saw scores of people turning out on Sept. 14 to walk, bike or run through town in memory of Terry Fox, who died from cancer in 1981 after launching his Marathon of Hope and sharing his dream of finding a cure for cancer.
Arborg (and surrounding area) is one of the top fundraising communities in Manitoba and in Canada on a per capita basis, and has earned a reputation for generosity and dedication to supporting cancer research and supporting those in their community afflicted with the disease.
The Arborg-Bifrost Fire Department hosts the event every year with various community organizations such as the Arborg Street Festival and the Riverton Friendship Centre lending a hand.
Lorna Plett was the event’s special guest speaker. She shared a heart-breaking story of cancer that not only took her dad when she was just starting Grade 2 and her sister who left behind four children, but also had her battling the disease twice.
“I learned at a young age that cancer is a serous thing. Skip ahead 25 years and I was now happily married with two babies of my own. It was a wonderful time of life. When our oldest son was 17 months old and his younger brother was three months old, I was diagnosed with an unusual and aggressive type of uterine cancer,” said Plett, who underwent eight difficult months of chemotherapy.
“But as you can tell I made it When our boys were in Grade 7 and 8 … I was once again diagnosed with another unusual type of cancer. Once more, I went through surgery and months of chemotherapy, but here I am … [and] I am so grateful.”
Throughout her personal battles with cancer, Plett said her family, members of the community and her church rallied around her, helping to care for her kids and providing meals and financial support.
Arborg’s Terry Fox Run Committee chair Teresa Johnson coordinated the day with a superb team of committee volunteers. Johnson took the reins this year from past chair Donna Gislason, who said she was “excited to be able to walk in the Terry Fox Run for the first time in about 15 years.”
Johnson thanked her team for supporting her as she put the event together, as well as everyone who generously donates to the Arborg run each year.
“People often ask the Terry Fox Foundation, ‘How does Arborg do it? How do you have such great runs every year?’ And the answer is simple — it’s because of our supportive community and the surrounding areas that join us,” said Johnson. “Your generosity allows research to move forward, with the hope that one day this disease will no longer take the lives of those we love.”
She wished those currently fighting cancer and those who lost family to cancer “love and strength”
Municipal politicians put their hair on the line this year to help raise additional funds. Deputy mayor Ron Johnston from the Town of Arborg and deputy reeve Chad Johnson from the Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton held a competition before run day to see who could raise the most money. The winner would have his head shaved. Johnston was the victor.
“I’d like to thank everybody who donated the money. It’s a great cause This is the least we can do,” Johnston told the Express before later addressing the crowd gathered at the fire hall.
He commended everyone who played a part in organizing the run, from the volunteers to those who spread the word. He also thanked the participants and donors who contributed to the “incredible” fundraising achievement this year.
“Arborg has once again proven that when we come together for a cause, we make an impact. You should all be proud, not only of how far you’ve run or walked today but of how far your efforts will go in helping others,” said Johnston. “Terry once said, ‘Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.’ And thanks to you, it has.”
Bifrost-Riverton deputy reeve Chad Johnson spoke about Terry Fox, the 45th anniversary this year of his Marathon of Hope and the foundation created in Terry’s name to raise money for cancer research.
“People are living longer with cancer because research has led to earlier detection and more effective treatments,” said Johnson. “Many people volunteer their time and fundraise in Terry’s name. Terry didn’t run for fame or glory. He ran for one reason only: to raise money for cancer research. Terry knew that everyone can make a difference and that’s why the Terry Fox Run is all about participation, inclusion and camaraderie — not competition.”
After the speeches, Johnston turned his head over to Gimli stylist Jayda Welch, who fired up her electric head shavers. He was joined on the head-shave stage by brothers Rene and Roland Sutyla, who are stalwart supporters of the annual run.
Rene Sutyla, who works at Arborg’s Smitty’s Furniture & Appliances, volunteered to have his head shaved in solidarity with his co-worker Kathy Melsted, who has cancer and is in the “fight for her life, and watching her strength, her patience and her spirit has reminded [him] so much of Terry Fox.”
For almost a decade each year, Roland Sutyla said he has been setting aside money he’d normally spend on coffee and also raising money through recycling in order to donate as much as he can to the annual run.
“I raise money all year round because cancer is something that happens every day,” said Sutyla, who is a retired firefighter, having served with the Arborg-Bifrost department for eight years.
After the head shaves, winners of the raffle and silent auction were announced. Local and area businesses and individuals had donated prizes to help raise additional funds.
People were also invited to share their personal thoughts on a poster board that had been signed earlier this year by Fred Fox, who wrote: “Terry, in 1980 you ran a marathon a day against cancer and inspired all of us. Together we will bring an end to the suffering that cancer causes. Your brother Fred.”
In addition to the Arborg Terry Fox Run, Arborg’s early middle school and high school held their own Terry Fox fundraising walks. In total, Arborg and area raised $42,035.94 for the Terry Fox Foundation.
