Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 29/99) - A Canadian legacy lived on this past week as people across the Kivalliq ran, walked, biked and rollerbladed in support of the annual Terry Fox Run to raise funds for cancer research.

Perhaps no individual in our country's proud history captured our imagination and stirred our emotions quite so strongly as Fox trying to finish his cross-country walk in support of cancer research.

The number of participants each year remains constantly steady.

Rankin Inlet recreation director Rick Denison says Rankin has averaged between 100 to 150 participants annually since the event began 19 years ago.

A total of 116 people and 12 volunteers participated this year and, so far, $2,400 has been raised in donations and fund-raising events.

"We've a little over $1,000 from pledges, Maani Ulujuk school held a barbecue and generated about $800, T-shirt sales were about $300 and the Drop-in Centre dance brought in about $180, so we're very happy with the support again this year.

"There's still a few pledges to be collected and we'll accept new pledges until the first of October for anybody who hasn't had a chance to pledge yet."

Denison has been involved with the run for the past seven years in Rankin and says $3,200 was raised in the hamlet last year and a record $4,877 was raised in 1997.

While everyone has their own specific charity they usually donate to, Denison says he's always been impressed by the level of support shown the Terry Fox Run in Rankin.

"On past run days, the schools have been active doing sports competitions and challenges to help out.

"And, obviously, these barbecues and other special events really help out.

"I think one reason so many support the run is that cancer doesn't discriminate. It can strike anyone.

"We can't thank enough all the donors, volunteers and participants who give of their time every year to make Rankin's run a success."