The Wingham Terry Fox Run has set a new fundraising record
This year's run had over 230 participants, along with 250 donors, and raised $33,538, surpassing the previous record of $31,000. This marks the highest total in the 37-year history of the run, which was held on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Wingham Lion’s Picnic Shelter.
Co-organizer Scott Miller expressed his amazement at the outpouring of support.
"About three days ago, we had a fundraising total of about $14,000, which would have been fantastic, but off pace compared to years past. In a matter of a few days, we topped $20,000 online, and we brought in another $13,000 offline," he said. "We set a record this year, over $33,000. I’m surprised and shocked, and happily surprised."
The event, co-organized by Miller and Steve Jackson, both testicular cancer survivors, has seen continued success due to the strong community involvement. Miller emphasized how much the event means to those who have been touched by cancer.
"Speaking for Steve and myself, it makes us proud of our community that so many people keep coming out and supporting vital cancer research. For people they lost, for people fighting cancer, and for future generations," Miller said.
Wingham has consistently "punched above its weight" in the Terry Fox Run, according to Miller, ranking among the top 10 per capita fundraising communities in Ontario.
“We raised more money than Woodstock and Owen Sound, which gives a lot of perspective," he said. "Wingham is a community of around 3,500 people. Woodstock has about 35,000 people. It just shows how much cancer has touched our community.”
Miller also spoke about the broader impact of the funds raised, explaining that much of the money goes directly toward cancer research.
"Maybe it doesn’t pay dividends today, but it may for their children, or their children’s children. It matters, and we’re blown away," he said. "That research means I would have a better chance at a better outcome than I did five years ago, 10 years ago, or 20 years ago.”
The run, which started in Wingham in 1987, was originally organized by Dale and Linda Edgar in memory of their daughter, who died from cancer at a young age. Over the years, the event has raised close to $600,000 for cancer research. Miller and Jackson took over the organizing duties in 2022, continuing the Edgars’ legacy.
The 2024 run, which saw registration begin at 10 a.m. and the walk or run at 11 a.m., concluded with a free post-event BBQ.
According to run.terryfox.ca, Toronto - Wilket Creek led the way in Ontario, raising $457,864. A list of fundraising totals above $1,000 in Midwestern Ontario is below:
Exeter - $39,533
Wingham - $33,538
Saugeen Shores - $29,315
Meaford - $17,611
Collingwood - $17,406
Owen Sound - $16,160
Lion's Head - $14,458
St. Marys - $13,638
Stratford - $12,525
Goderich - $12,445
Kincardine - $11,575
Listowel - $9,600
Shelburne - $8,865
Lucknow - $7,922
Wiarton - $7,830
Bayfield - $6,636
Brussels - $6,615
Palmerston - $6,450
Drayton - $5,375
Walkerton - $4,393
West Grey - $3,510
Hanover - $1,711