BATTLEFORD — Horse enthusiasts can show their support for the Terry Fox Foundation by taking part in a horseback ride fundraiser in the Battlefords.
The Terry Fox Ride takes place Sept. 14. Registration is at 12 p.m. at Newman Farm, about eight kilometres southwest of Battleford.
The ride starts at 1 p.m. and lasts about two hours, covering pastures, bush, fields, sand roads and ditches. After the ride, at around 4 p.m., participants and guests can enjoy a barbecue.
“People are invited to come to the barbecue even if they don't go for a ride,” said organizer Karen Ulmer. “There is no charge for registration. But it is a fundraiser, so we ask that people donate any amount they feel they can.”
Since the Terry Fox Ride began 44 years ago, it has raised about $100,000 for cancer research.
Ulmer said Terry Fox events happen all over the world.
“I have a cousin who lives in London [England] and they have a Terry Fox run there,” she said.
The horseback ride is organized by the Battlefords Quarter Horse Club. Ulmer hopes for a strong turnout this year.
“It's a great cause to raise money for,” she said. “Everybody's had somebody in their life who has been touched by cancer.”
Ulmer reflected on her own memories of Terry Fox.
“I'm old enough to remember when Terry Fox was doing his run and had to stop,” she said. “It was just so heartbreaking. He was so young. It's nice this [fundraiser events] have continued all over the world in his honour.”
Participants come from across the region.
“We get a lot of people from all over,” Ulmer said. “We have people from Unity, Turtleford, PA [Prince Albert] that'll come down. It varies year to year ... We've had as few as eight [take part] and as many as 88 over the years.”
