Almost three decades after Terry Fox was forced to abandon his run across Canada, the emotional appeal of his courage has not waned. When CKAY broke the news in mid-September 1980 that Terry’s endeavour had been ditched in the face of returning cancer, the hearts of Cowichan Valley residents turned not only to this Canadian hero but also to his cause.

Cancer Society spokesperson Doris Cleugh coped with a deluge of requests for posters and collection boxes, and contributions to the Society were flooding in from across the district.

Apparently, the normal response for funds for the Cancer Society in the Valley brought in around $5,000. That week, CKAY alone raised pledges totaling over $16,000 according to the station’s Dick Drew. And collection boxes from banks, businesses and clubs had not yet been counted.

A bucket placed in Duncan Mall with a poster alongside got so full of coins Cleugh had to have help to carry it out to the car.

“That was mostly youngsters throwing in quarters and nickels,” she said, adding that all proceeds would go to the Cowichan Valley Terry Fox Fund.

The CKAY figure included $3,460 cash collected at the Cancer Society’s booth at the Cowichan Exhibition the previous weekend.

1980: heritage

The newly renovated Duncan CNR station was the scene of a ceremony when it was dedicated as a heritage building by Lt. Governor Henry Bell-Irving. Plaques from the city and the downtown merchants’ commemorated the occasion.

1980: transit

What an idea! Use ‘deadheaded” school buses on weekdays and idle buses on weekends and holidays for urban transit. This suggestion was floated by North Cowichan Council Joint Urban Transit Committee Chair Ald. Allan Hussey.

1980: antique cars

Former long-time Leader contributor Jack Fleetwood was on hand to chat with fellow antique car enthusiasts at the BC Forest Museum during a stopover of 33 antique autos including a 1905 Queen.