A free community movie night at the Sid Williams Theatre this Friday at 7 p.m. is a great venue to embrace the legacy of Terry Fox, whose passion has inspired Canadians for 33 years.
The inspiring 2005 movie takes us back to the start of his cross-Canada run and reminds us of his fierce determination to outrun cancer. Courtenay Recreation is presenting the film in partnership with the Sid Williams Theatre Society and Active Comox Valley.
"Terry Fox means so much to Canadians and to people around the world, and Courtenay Recreation is honoured to sponsor this film," says Susan Murphy, Manager of Recreation Services. "Whether you remember watching his Marathon of Hope in 1980, or if you're from a younger generation, this film will be a reminder of how Terry Fox inspired our entire country, and established a legacy that continues to grow."
The Sid Williams Theatre Society was quick to jump on board when the opportunity arose to present this free film. As an arts and culture organization, the themes of hope, inspiration and the power of community depicted in the Terry movie resonate strongly among staff at the Sid Williams Theatre.
Just as the run, which takes place above the Comox Valley Sports Centre track this Sunday, has no entry fee; the movie is being presented free.
There will be no admission fee, but donations to the Terry Fox Foundation will be accepted, and merchandise such as shoelaces and T-shirts will be available in the lobby as well as pledge forms for anyone wanting to participate in Sunday's run.
The Terry Fox Run raised $9,441.41 in the Comox Valley in 2012, a success this year's organizers are hoping to build on.
"As the community comes together to watch the Terry Fox movie, his message of hope and resilience will resonate, making this year's run that much more meaningful," says Active Comox Valley co-ordinator Jennifer Cox.
"The Terry Fox Run is a cause that is close to many Canadian hearts. Just last week the Terry Fox Foundation was in the news as new software they developed makes it easier to identify cancer. It is encouraging to see that lives are continuing to be saved as a result of Terry Fox's legacy and this is a great cause to be part of."
This non-competitive, no-cost, family-fun event is meant to bring all ages and abilities together in support of cancer research.
For more information on the Terry Fox movie at the Sid Williams Theatre or on the Terry Fox run this Sunday at 10 a.m., contact Jennifer Cox at 250-890-9116 or info@activecomoxvalley.ca.
— Active Comox Valley