Jason Helmond can’t wait to see his hair falling to the floor as he once again gears up for the fifth annual Razors of Hope fundraiser, which had been paused since 2019 due to COVID-19.
“We were in the middle of preparing for the head shave and had to cancel everything,” recalls Helmond, who organizes the event in support of the Terry Fox Foundation.
An activist for the Down Syndrome Association of Simcoe County and a local Special Olympian, Helmond says the cancer research event is very close to his heart.
“It makes me feel great knowing I am helping to finish what Terry Fox started," he tells BarrieToday.
Helmond believes Terry Fox was both a remarkable athlete and an inspiration to people around the world.
“Terry had incredible spirit and determination to do the Marathon of Hope and to run across Canada," he says. "I hope I can contribute to that in some small way.”
Having experienced the loss of loved ones for cancer, including both of his grandfathers, Helmond says every dollar counts.
“Every dollar we raise gets us closer to finding a cure for cancer, and I can't wait for that day to come," he says.
Helmond found a perfect quote in the words of Terry Fox, who said: "Even if I don't finish, we need others to continue. It's got to keep going without me."
“I agree with Terry and I am going to continue on his behalf," Helmond says.
As in previous years, Razors of Hope will feature a few speakers and dedications, a cake-cutting and then the head shave.
In addition to local dignitaries, Helmond says Barrie firefighters will also be attending with a fire truck this year.
“We are dedicating the head shave in Will Dwyer's memory for everything he did and raised for Terry Fox," he adds. "I will have the honour of having his clipboard with my pledge sheets on it.”
Razors of Hope is organized by Helmond with the help of his mom, Michelle Helmond, and his friend, Colin MacDonald.
Equally important, Helmond wants to show that people with disabilities or developmental delays are just as active and can contribute to the community just as much as anybody else.
Razors of Hope will take place on May 27 at Barrie City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fundraising goal is $20,000 and the proceeds from the event will go to the Terry Fox Foundation.
For donations online go to terryfox.org and look for Razors of Hope in “other events.”
