Pontiac Terry Fox Run seeking new volunteers

Pontiac Terry Fox Run seeking new volunteers

After more than 4 decades of work, the organizers of the Pontiac Terry Fox Run are looking to pass the torch on to a new group of volunteers.

Rick Valin, one of the founders of the local run, spoke with CHIP 101.9 about its history and what it takes to put on the event every year. Valin and fellow founder John Petty were both physical education teachers at Pontiac High School 42 years ago when they started the local run, along with Petty’s wife Betty. He explained that while they were inspired by watching Fox on television at the time, they were also personally impacted by losing friends and family to cancer.

Valin said that on top of organizing the fundraising and logistics of the actual run, one of their main tasks every year is promotion, which he said seems to be more difficult as Terry’s legacy fades in society’s collective memory. On top of doing the rounds of local media and soliciting businesses for donations, they also make their pitch in-person to MRC Pontiac council and local school children. 

Those interested in getting involved can contact Valin at 819-647-5609 or rickvalin@hotmail.com and Petty can be reached at 819-647-2402.

The full interview with Valin (7m10) is available here.