Maxime Chabot is preparing himself mentally and physically for the longest run of his young 21 years. The Morinville man, inspired by the legacy of one of Canada's greatest heroes, is setting up to undertake his own cross-country marathon to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research.
"I'm doing it in Terry Fox's honour. When I was introduced to Terry Fox in Grade 4 or 5, I told myself that I was going to finish the run for him. This year feels like it's the right year. Before, I wanted to finish the run but now, I'm like, 'you know what? Might as well just do the whole thing.' So I'm doing the whole thing," he said.
He expects the whole run to take several months, starting off from St. John's Newfoundland on April 12 as he sets his sights on the west coast at Victoria, British Columbia. Fox famously did the same thing back in 1980 but his cancer spread during his journey and stopped it 143 days and 5,373 kilometres in.
Chabot's fundraising goal is $1 million. He still has some preparations to organize before he can set off. He's on the search for an RV or a motorhome or a sponsor who could offer one for his on-the-road support for the duration of his journey. He asked for anyone to help in that regard by calling his assistant, Danielle Vowles, at 587-336-7000. Financial support can be sent via etransfer to [email protected].
To help further his efforts toward raising that money, the Morinville Hotel is hosting a silent auction and pub night at the Zoo this Saturday, March 18 starting at 6 p.m. It's located at 10001 100 Ave. in Morinville. Tickets are $5 and for every ticketholder that comes through the door, the hotel will match the price and offer that as a donation. All of the proceeds from the auction will also go towards Chabot's fundraising for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
Additional pub night fundraisers are scheduled for March 23 at Richard's Pub in Edmonton, on March 25 at The Ranch, and at Knoxville's Tavern on March 31.
More information about The Pay It Forward Run can be found on his Facebook page by searching for 'On My Way'.
ABBA great time to support CPC's charities
The St. Albert chapter of the Canadian Progress Club is going to spin the hits of the '70s on Saturday as people rip up the floor like Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. The fun fundraiser will help the service club support Camp Warwa and Uncles and Aunts at Large. Boogie Nights is an evening of dinner, disco music and dancing.
The event starts at 6:30 p.m. on March 18 at the Ramada Hotel, 11834 Kingsway Ave. in Edmonton. Tickets are $100. More details can be found at www.cpcstalbert.ca.
