The Terry Fox Run 2012 for cancer research was successfully held this morning, Sunday, 11 November 2012. Supporting it since year 2006, this year saw me joining the organising committee and also volunteering for my first time. I missed it for the last 2 years for hurting my lower back in 2010 and due to Powerman Malaysia last year.
I was certainly green in organising an event and was learning from the fellow seniors like Sook Yee, Peter and Bennie. Just like each every other year, it will all start with brainstorming of venue, date and of course t-shirt sales. The committee only had clearance at about 2 months before the run day itself to actually prepare all the necessities.
The first batch of t-shirts arrived in mid October 2012 and as usual, I helped sell it. The only difference this year was that no public announcement was made to inform that Running Lab actually sells it. Only those who knew me, casual shoppers and those who bought from me the previous years will know. A "secretive" place indeed, but yet, the sales were strong!
A couple of weeks ago, I visited the Stella Maris high school to share my cancer days and running story together with Peter. This is part of the campaign to actually share Terry Fox's and other cancer survivor's stories. A pretty nervous moment as there were at least 400 plus strong student crowd that I need to share my story with, but I was glad it went well.
Fast forwarding to yesterday, volunteers were given briefing. However, the sky opened up and we all walked the 3KM family route under it. I was drenched! An hour later, together with Bennie and Harriet, we install the directional markers one by one on the 3KM and 5KM route. Took us about 3 hours plus to complete and by the time I'm done, it was already 9PM. Drenched and feeling cold, I quickly drove back home with a sense of satisfaction and hope, and quickly had a hot shower before turning in as the challenge begins the next day.
Terry Fox Run 2012 contributors...
With the photo wall filled with inspirational messages...
Directional markers installed...
Run day. I arrived at Padang Merbok at around 6.15AM. Some other volunteers were already there and soon Sook Yee came by and I collected my Team Terry's shirt from her. The Team Terry's shirt is the same design except for the red colour which is given to cancer survivors. The field of Padang Merbuk was muddy and soft due to the rain but that did not stop us volunteers form working. During the process of setting up, I guided the lorry ferrying the water to the midway point of the 3KM route before running back. Hey, I technically ran half the route of the family route! Hehehe...
Having a banana break while the runners went for the run (and walk)...
And from there, I was helping out with the t-shirt sales which also consist of the editions from the last 2 years. I was together with Siak Chung, Shin Tatt, Tatyana, Mrs. Kang, Helen and many others trying our very best to sell the t-shirts as fast as possible as the crowd was just unbelievable It's not an easy task but it was certainly fun and yet rewarding. During the sales itself, I was even asked to take photographs together with the runners as they knew I am a survivor.Very busy indeed but for a good reason. By the way, beside myself, Tatyana and Lyana was also downing the Team Terry's shirt.
With Sook Ching, Lyana and Tatyana...
And here's a shout out to Professor Teo, CEO of CARIF. She was so busy herself, but she still helped out during the t-shirt sales. And not only that, she was moving the tables, chairs and other heavy objects all by herself.
Overall, I had a good and rewarding time at the Terry Fox Run 2012. I hope to be part of it in the many more editions to come as it's really a rewarding experience in this very meaningful event. It's really great to have meet up with lots of people whether runners, supporters of cancer research and also those from the foundation that I support that is organising this for a good cause.
And MANY THANKS to the organising committee and also volunteers for this year's edition as the Terry Fox Run continues the tradition of a 100% volunteer driven event. KUDOS to all for the time and strength given!
And MANY THANKS to the organising committee and also volunteers for this year's edition as the Terry Fox Run continues the tradition of a 100% volunteer driven event. KUDOS to all for the time and strength given!
2 comments:
Stella Maris was my old high school! Lots of good memories there.
Frank, thank you for volunteering at Terry Fox. Us BWC runners had a great time and we brought along little BWC Jr runners too who all had a blast. No run can be successful without volunteers - thank you once again
Hello everyone! In response to a nasty comment on one of our volunteers blog's we would just like to CLARIFY that the Red Colour T-shirts are NOT for sale. We announced Team Terry T-Shirts to celebrate the survivorship of those who have fought cancer and won. We made it only available for the first time for free on the day of the run it self - opened registrations to the first 100 people after our Emcee announced it. Reason being on not announcing it earlier was: we were unsure of the feedback and did not want to waste anymore money printing T-shirts that would go to a waste.
To the person who posted the nasty comment. We know you have good intentions, but spare us and everyone else the drama of saying that our volunteers are not providing enough avenue's of letting everyone pledge or contribute. If you think you can do better. If you are that anonymous person, Email us at volunteers@terryfoxrunkl.org and we'll work together and you'll see how difficult it is to deal with people like you.
A message from
Bennie of the Terry Fox Run Organizing Committee
Original Message Posted:
"It's so unfair that the organisers gave the red shirts to the volunteers and didn't even allow the shirts to be bought even at a higher price despite seeing lots of it on the table. We want to do a part for cancer research but you guys did not want to accept our pledge."
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