by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — There were a few tears shed as bunches of pink balloons were released during the 20th annual Terry Fox Walk held at Logos Land near Cobden Sunday afternoon, Sept. 17.
The balloons are released as a way of remembering Patsy Moore, who lost her lengthy battle with cancer on March 1, 2017. She had a huge heart, worked for more than 20 years with the Township of Whitewater Region (and formerly with Cobden), and helped as many people as she could.
Even when she wasn’t feeling the greatest, Patsy never missed a Terry Fox walk, said Bonnie Helferty, organizer of the annual walk.
Patsy’s mother Helen Moore and sister Mary Martel released the first bunches followed by others sending the pink balloons skyward.
As each person registered for the walk, they were asked to sign a small piece of paper that was inserted into the balloon before it was filled with helium.
It’s hoped that if the balloons are found, people will send them back to the writer’s of the personal messages as most had an address on the paper.
“Patsy is still touching people’s hearts,” said Ms. Martel. “Patsy was so kind. She will be in everyone’s heart forever.”
Patsy’s family is hoping to plant a tree in Patsy’s memory in Cobden Memorial Park in the spring, Ms. Martel said.
Ms. Helferty noted there were 85 participants at this year’s event with $5,421 raised, which also includes merchandise and on-line funds.
The youngest participant this year was eight-week-old Nathaniel Clark, son of Vanessa and David Clark and grandson of Pat and Wayne Johnston of the Queens Line.
“I was thrilled with the weather, the turnout, the volunteers, including the two Civitan barbequers (Don Rathwell and Donnie Helferty) who always come rain or shine, the monies collected and the pink balloon launch in memory of Patsy,” Ms. Helferty said.
She also thanks the Moore family for their support of this event in memory of their sister/daughter Patsy.
“And it goes without saying, a big thank you to the Paxtons, Grant, Fred and the beautiful grounds at Logos Land,” she added.
Golf Tournament
The Pullin’ for Patsy committee hosted a Patsy Moore Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday at the Oaks of Cobden.
There were 41 golfers for the nine-hole event and 59 people for dinner, said committee member Janet Burns.
“We don’t have the final amount, but all the proceeds will go to Renfrew Hospice,” she said.
Along with the tournament, there was also a hole-in-one and a 50/50 draw, as well as prize draws for the many donations from businesses and individuals, she said. Many businesses also sponsored a hole.
“It was a well-attended event for being held the first time,” Ms. Burns said.
The committee found out after booking the memorial tournament that it was being held the same day as the Terry Fox Walk, an event that Patsy did not miss for the past 19 years.
“We didn’t realize it was on the same day,” Ms. Burns said, adding, “We’re changing the date for next year.”
It’s expected the tournament will be in June or July, she said. It was difficult trying to find a date where all the committee members could participate, however, next year’s event, will be planned much sooner, she added.
