Terry Fox Run alive and well in Woodstock

Nancy Yates and Shelly Harpell connected with residents as they gathered donations through the sale of personalized tribute signs. (Ron Yuzark Photo).

Ron Yuzark, Echo Correspondent

The Woodstock community came together at Scott’s NoFrills last Saturday morning to support the Metres of Memories initiative, part of this year’s Terry Fox Run. From 9 a.m. to noon, residents purchased personalized tribute signs to honor loved ones who had battled cancer—whether they had lost the fight, survived, or were still living with the disease. For a suggested donation of $20, each name was placed on a sign that would later line the run route every 50 metres, creating a trail of remembrance and encouragement. The result promised to be a mosaic of memories stretching through Southside Park on Run Day, September 14. The program, launched in Woodstock in 2014 by community leaders Nancy Yates and Shelly Harpell, was inspired by a similar initiative in Barrie. Over the years, it grew into a heartfelt tradition, blending fundraising with deeply personal tributes. “The signs became more than just markers,” reflected Yates. “They told stories of courage, love, and resilience. Seeing them along the route moved both runners and families, reminding us why Terry’s legacy endures.” The event marked an important opportunity for residents to contribute and share the names of those they wished to honour. For many, it was a chance not only to support cancer research but also to celebrate the lives of friends and family in a tangible, visible way.