Halifax, NS

Thursday, June 5 – Rob and I met Barb from the TFF office here in Halifax in our hotel lobby. Went and grabbed coffee and a muffin and headed to Barbs office to go over a few things in regards to the Tour of Hope and today’s event.  The local Scotia McLeod office here organized a BBQ event. What a great setting to share Terry’s van. We were in Parade Square for those that have been to Halifax. City Hall is in a beautiful heritage building at one end of the square, and a big church at the other end of the square. We were set up more or less in the centre very near a majestic veterans memorial.

There was band set up from a high school in Cole Harbour. The event was scheduled for the lunch time period so we could capture anyone coming through the square on their break. Just as Rob was getting the sound system set up for the formal part of the event some of Halifax’s city workers decide it was a good time to work on pumping out the sewers about 50 feet from us on the street above. What a noise, couldn’t hear the band or anyone speak. Several people without much success asked if they could shut it down until we were finished with speeches etc. Our designated Mayor on the Tour, Rob Reid went up and had a chat and suggested that they go and speak with the Mayor of Halifax who was only a hundred yards away in City Hall. Well sure enough they shut it down and the Mayor showed up and we were able to continue.

What a great event, thanks to the Scotia McLeod group here in Halifax. Met Rolland who is stationed on HMCS Toronto based here in Halifax. He didn’t think he was going to be able to attend the event as his ship was scheduled to leave for Spain this morning. But due to mechanical problems their departure was delayed. He was given permission to leave the ship and attend the event. (Did I mention that Rolland is one of engineers on the Toronto?) He’s a very nice guy and very committed to the Terry Fox Run. Had a surprise visit from Doug Vater, Doug is very close family friend from our home town of Port Coquitlam, via Pouce Cove. Nfld. He now loves in Halifax. Doug was very supportive of Terry before, during and after the MOH. He was so helpful to our family during that time, we could never thank him enough for his support. Hope to spend some time with Doug tomorrow.

From the book, Terry Fox - His Story

May 15, 1980 Sheet Harbour, NS

“We parked in a beautiful location overlooking the sea. The ocean was much prettier today because the sunshine. After my break I ran until a lady from the Cancer Society in Sheet Harbour came to see me. They had a reception set up for me at 5pm and wanted me to run with the school kids. When I ran with the kids I really burned it just to show them how fast I could go. They were tired and puffing. All right! I met quite a few people who had cancer. A great reception, finally, in Nova Scotia. Today I was feeling dizzy and lightheaded again.’

A great pleasure to meet Mary Anne Bailey! She met us in Brookfield and then again here today in Halifax. Mary Anne was one of those students that Terry out ran in Sheet Harbour. She was only 15 at that time and had a chance to also speak with Terry and explain that she had just lost her Father to cancer 11 months earlier. Terry has been here inspiration ever since, even more so in 1994 after she was also diagnosed with cancer. Mary Anne is doing fantastic and is dedicated to Terry’s dream. Rob and I had a nice dinner with Mary Anne at the Lower Deck (or was it the middle or upper deck?).

Friday looks like an off day. Jason and buddy Ken who just arrived from Toronto with another transmission are going to get into a shop to do some work on the van. One more Tour of Hope event in Kentville, before I head home. Rob is going back home to Victoria on Saturday. If the van is in good running order Jason will be leaving for home in the next day or so also. Frank (a family friend of Heather Strongs) and I are going to Kentville Saturday morning then after the event there heading to Moncton, NB. I'll drive the truck, trailer & van to Fredericton Sunday to give it too Onne and then catch a flight home to Maple Ridge,BC. Looking forward to seeing the family and eating a home cooked meal.

Fred

Comments

[Paula R]

Great to hear the tour is going well! Best of luck, and we're excited to see you here in AB!

~Paula Russel
TFF AB/NU/NT Summer Student

[Jason]

Terry Fox has always been a personal hero of mine. I live in Maple Ridge which is only 15 mins away from Port Coquitlam. When I was little Terry's brother would often come to our school to speak about him...