The Scarborough Civic Centre has welcomed many hundreds of dignitaries and celebrities, but none have created the response from employees evoked by Terence Stanley Fox, C.C. on Friday, July 1th.
Organizers in the early stages of preparation worried there would be no crowed to greet the plucky young man, and jumped at Terry James’ offer to provide some children from Rec. and Parks Day Camp programmes to help create a welcome. The little ones arrived early, but were almost lost in a crowd of thousands arriving to cheer on their new hero.
Although many employees were away on vacation, Borough staffers responded generously to the pledge sheets which circulated throughout Departments. The Works Department topped the tally by collecting $1,065.00 in cash and pledges for the Marathon of Hope.
Local Cancer Society officials organized the actual ceremony and Mrs. Helen Campbell, widow of our former Reeve and Mayor, Albert Campbell presented Terry with the first cheque from the Scarborough Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society. Many presentations followed from Borough employees, business and industry. At the end, Terry Fix stepped to the microphone and looked up to find the levels and links jammed with staff and public cheering him on. Early in his remarks, his voice broke, and tears flowed. So many eyes in the audience became moist, that a rainbow appeared for a brief moment over the Central Space, as Terry Fox won the hearts of all present.
It was understandable that, even before Terry encountered his unexpected delay, the Cancer Society offices were swamped with pledges they were unable to follow up. Many staff members were concerned at the delay, and anxious to make good their pledges, but it was Carol Pearcey who stepped forward and volunteered to handle the follow-up with staff on behalf of the Cancer Society. Thanks, Carol for identifying the task, and completing it with your usual good humour and efficiency.
-Adrienne McLennan
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