Hundreds of people came together one September morning to enjoy some music, entertainment and go for a long walk together.
That's a scene from last year's Terry Fox Day in the Heart of Georgian Bay annual fundraising event.
"We had a great day, even the weather cooperated eventually," said Don Chapman, a committee member as he talked to Tay Township council in some detail about how the event will be conducted this time around.
"With those kinds of results and the feedback (from last year) we started gearing up for the 40th this year. We wanted our 2020 event to be big and beautiful and raise tons of money for cancer research. Let's kill this disease before it kills more of us. We wanted to set some new records, until COVID came along."
And as with everything else this year, their event pivoted to adjust to the ever-changing times, Chapman said.
"The emphasis is all on celebrating Terry's 40th," he said. "We also want to celebrate the giving nature of our community. It is a very caring and sharing environment, we should all be proud to live here."
What is being stressed is participation over dollar contribution, Chapman said.
"Let's just get lots of people out there and celebrating what Terry started for us," he said. "If we get $2 each from a whole pile of people, it's as good as getting $100 (each) from a few people."
This year, is made up of a few components, Chapman explained at the recent council meeting.
"The major one is called One Day Your Way," he said. "That will be us asking everybody in Canada and beyond Canada on September 20th to go out and choose a time and run, walk, or ride, to wherever you want and at whatever speed you want. Just go out and acknowledge Terry Fox and his contribution."
Big groups and gatherings may be cancelled this year, but there's nothing stopping families and businesses from putting together smallers events to raise money, according to Chapman.
"I've got people offering to do mini-concerts for free and any donations will go to the Terry Fox Foundation," he said. "I have groups doing car rallies, bake sales and garage sales. Groups can come up with their own Terry Fox event and contribute what they can."
Mayor Ted Walker said council would be showing support by wearing the Terry Fox t-shirts they've already bought.
"Thanks for all you do," he said. "Considering the times we live in, we hope you have a great, successful event."
Coun. Mary Warnock, the township's team captain, told Chapman his organization is amazing and inspiring.
"Tay has been involved in this for many years," she said. "I'm encouraging all Tay residents to be involved and to do the One Day Your Way. Any contribution online is welcome, no matter how small.
"Maybe we can have a twoonie for charity fundraiser and place a donation box at the township office," Warnock said, talking about how the municipality can help. "We can offer space anywhere you would like to sell t-shirts."
Councillors Barry Norris and Jeff Bumstead were also appreciative of the efforts put forth by Terry Fox Day in the Heart of Georgian Bay.
"I can't thank you enough on behalf of the community for taking on this role and making sure this day actually happens," said Norris. "I'm sure the community really appreciates all your efforts and we will do our best to make this day an eventful day."
Chapman said it was all made possible due to a team of dedicated volunteers.
Visit the Terry Fox Foundation website for more information and to make a donation or buy a t-shirt.
