Bundle up for Peacock’s charity run for Terry Fox

The temperature is getting lower but it hasn’t dampened the excitement for Peacock Collegiate’s upcoming Polar Bear Run on Dec. 8.

Organizer Sarah Clarke is hoping to see more brave souls take the trails with the run than last year, especially as the event is Peacock’s annual fundraiser for the Terry Fox Foundation. 

Most schools hold their Terry Fox events in September, but Clarke finds that pushing their fundraiser back a few months makes it unique.

“Because startup is so busy in September, we do it in the winter. So, it's the same run, to raise money for cancer research, but we just do it later on in the year when things have settled," said Clarke. “And it's a good time to do it because it's a little different.”

The non-competitive, five-kilometre run is family friendly and open to the public, and all proceeds will be donated directly to the Terry Fox Foundation to aid in cancer research. 

The Polar Bear Run usually draws about 100 people each year, and the school has been able to raise around $40,000 over the last nine years that the charity run has been held. 

Clarke hopes to see an increase in participation this year, as well as some positive feedback on the change in venue — the Polar Bear Run will begin at Peacock this year, rather than the usual Wakamow Valley, mostly out of convenience. 

There will be warm drinks and snacks available in Peacock’s lounge after the run, to warm up and celebrate the success of the day.

A number of Peacock students will be participating, and community members can register up until the run’s start time at noon.

The registration fees are $30 for youth, $40 for adult, or $100 for a family. Each registrant will be gifted some Peacock merchandise, to commemorate the day. 

“With the registration they get a Peacock souvenir as a thank you for coming, and this year we're doing a roll-up fleece blanket,” said Clarke.

Hosting a fundraiser for the Terry Fox Foundation is an important initiative for the students and staff at Peacock, said Clarke. The cause is one that continues to pull heartstrings. 

“It's something dear to everyone's heart. Lots of people, lots of students have had family members affected by cancer or going through cancer, so it's something that a lot of kids and staff can relate to.”

Registration can be done online through the Running Room, until Dec. 6, or in person on the morning of the Polar Bear Run beginning at 10:30 a.m.. There is a processing fee for online registrations, which Clarke said can be avoided by registering the day of the run. 

Community members looking to offer support but without the chilly run can donate to the Terry Fox Foundation from the Polar Bear Run registration page.