Yesterday an email from the Terry Fox Foundation announced the possibility of an interesting “reality show” type project for next year.

The plan at this time is to have two teams of twelve runners start in St. Johns and Victoria on April 12th. Each participant will attempt to run 3,339 miles in 143 days, matching Terry’s daily mileage, meeting in Thunder Bay on Labour Day weekend.

There will be a one hour casting special to air in April in CBC primetime where the participants will be introduced, the stakes will be set for the run and Terry’s enduring and building legacy will be highlighted. This will be followed by a feature that would appear weekly on the National or CBC News Sunday that would provide an update on the runners and their fundraising efforts. There would also be a one hour (or more) special on Labour Day.

Here is more from the email.

Teaming Up With Corporate Canada

Living up to the example set by our founder allows the Foundation to be outside the box of traditional fundraising models.  Typical events such as this require sponsors to underwrite the costs – this is not possible with this exciting proposal because Terry Fox himself did not accept sponsorship of his Run, nor does any event bearing his name to this day.

Finding “no strings attached” funding can be a challenge but it is nowhere near as monumental as the one Terry faced every morning as he rose to run 42 kilometres in the snow, sleet, rain or heat.  We know that Canadian companies exist out there who believe that financial contributions to a philanthropic organization do not have to be tied to contracts, quid pro quos and fanfare.  This is an opportunity for your firm to support an event that will reach all corners of our country.

How Can Your Company Help?

The Terry Fox Foundation is well known for its lean approach to event planning resulting in annual expenditures of $20 million in Terry Fox research grants and awards across the country. To put it succinctly, Terry Fox volunteers are not permitted to use funds raised through the event to cover expenses. Goods and services, beyond the promotional materials provided by the Foundation, must be secured in advance or covered by third parties.

Our approach to supporting this event would be no different. CBC is bearing the burden of the production and programming costs of the show with TFF taking responsibility for securing support for the logistical needs of the event. The Foundation is currently in discussions with a number of companies regarding in-kind donations of goods and services and/or reduced rates. However, it is clear that financial contributions will have to be obtained to cover some significant items.

In our discussions with the producer, the following significant cost elements were identified as needing our prompt attention. They include:

* Food & Water: an average of $70 per person based on 12 runners and 6 support crew per team. For participants running a marathon a day, the nutritional content of the food will have to be taken into consideration. Depending on the type of accommodation and transportation used, refrigerated trucks may have to accompany the participants. Water consumption will be significant, with an estimated 3 L of water per runner per day.

Total Cost Estimate: $370,000

* Transportation: Use of campaign buses (includes gas, driver, insurance, customized interior) and/or Recreation Vehicles and mini-vans.

Total Cost Estimate: $360,000

* Media Coordinator: One full-time employee or the use of a PR company. Activities would include launch parties, media kits and a promotional outreach with Terry Fox Foundation supporters in the school system, companies and communities.

Total Cost Estimate: $150-200,000

Your assistance in securing the above support would be greatly appreciated.

I would very much appreciate your consideration of the above and would welcome your comments. Please feel free to contact the Foundation at terryfox09@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Darrell Fox
National Director
The Terry Fox Foundation