Summerland’s generosity shines at Terry Fox run

SUMMERLAND – A small community is becoming known for its big contributions to the annual Terry Fox run.

Summerland was 14th in the province in total funds raised in last year’s event, placing just behind much larger centres like Kamloops and Chilliwack. More than $22,000 has been raised in Summerland from the Terry Fox run since 2012.

This year’s Terry Fox run in Summerland marks the 36th anniversary of Terry’s cross Canada Marathon of Hope. The community is one of 9,000 across the country taking part in the annual run for cancer.

“It seems everyone has a personal connection to cancer, be it a family member, a friend, or themselves," says Mike Cooke who organizes the Summerland run along with wife Heather.

Registration for the event takes place Sunday, Sept. 18 at 10:15 a.m. at the Summerland Aquatic Centre. Participants can chose from a one kilometre, three or five kilometre route, with refreshments available following the run.

The five and three kilometre events are suitable for bikes, wheelchairs, scooters, strollers and rollerblades. Dogs on leash are also welcome.

Those wishing more information, or those wishing to volunteer for this year’s run, should contact Heather or Mike Cooke by phone at 250-488-3415, by email at terryfoxrunsummerland@gmail.com, or by visiting the event’s Facebook page.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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