Two weekend cancer events brought in big numbers

The numbers are in.

Last weekend two high-profile events raised a lot of money toward cancer research.

The inaugural Muddy Moose Charge was held at Seachmont Resort on Saturday, with the Terry Fox Run being staged the following day starting at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion.

The 258 adults and 96 children that participated in the inaugural Muddy Moose Charge took in a total of $64,227.15 for the Canadian Cancer Society, specifically earmarked for research into childhood cancers.

“For our first event we didn’t really know what to expect. We are really happy with the outcome,” said Lori McDonald, fundraising coordinator for the Algoma District for the Canadian Cancer Society.

The 600 participants in the Terry Fox Run brought in almost $30,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation said Lindsay Koskenoja, chair of the organizing committee for the event.

In 2013, the local Terry Fox Run reported $40,000 raised with 600 people participating.

“We are incredibly grateful for the wonderful support given to the Terry Fox Run in Sault Ste. Marie. We are very encouraged by the hundreds of people that came out to keep Terry's dream alive,” said Koskenoja.

Although proceeds from the two events go toward cancer research, they are put on by separate organizations and not connected in any way.

Anyone can participate in the Terry Fox Run, with no entry fee or fundraising commitment necessary.

The Muddy Moose Charge required a $60 registration fee with a commitment of at least $100 in pledges.

The top individual fundraiser for the Muddy Moose Charge was Matt Van Schooneveld, who raised $1870.

The top team fundraiser was “50 Shades of Mud” with a total of $3040 raised.

“These people were in it for the right reasons and really made a great contribution to the event. We count on those people who give it all they have in fundraising,” said McDonald.

The most spirited team award was given to the Bad Ass Mother Muckers, while best team name went to Duck Duck Moose.

The Outstanding Youth Cancer Crusader was awarded to 10-year-old Kaiden Mattais, who celebrated his birthday at the Muddy Calf Charge event and asked for pledges in lieu of presents.

“It really does show that people in the Sault care about others in our community and care about making a difference,” said McDonald.

(PHOTO: Derri Haavaldsrud and Pamela Moore embrace immediately after completing the Muddy Moose Charge in Searchmont Resort on September 13, 2014. Their team "50 Shades of Mud" won the award for top team fundraiser at the event. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)

Previous SooToday coverage of this story:

Run caps off Terry Fox week (9 photos)

300 people got pretty dirty today (11 photos)