Historica Canada releases Terry Fox Heritage Minute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                

TORONTO – September 16, 2015 As Canadians mark the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope this September, Historica Canada is launching a new Heritage Minute about Terry Fox. Released just days before the annual Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 20, the Minute tells Terry’s story in his own words.   

"You could spend a lifetime standing on the shoulder of the roads of Canada watching Terry run and taking in the impact he was having on others with every step," says Darrell Fox, Terry's younger brother and Marathon of Hope member. "Historica Canada has somehow captured in 60 seconds the power, the emotion, the determination, and the courage that radiated nationally and globally for 143 Marathon of Hope days."

“Terry Fox is a Canadian icon whose importance seems to grow with each new generation,” says Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO of Historica Canada. “His story resonates with Canadians of all ages. We hope that this Minute, paying tribute to him, will further contribute to that.”

Over 143 days in 1980, Terry Fox ran 5,373 kilometres to raise money for cancer research. His story has touched generations of Canadians, inspired by his determination and selflessness. When the Heritage Minute project was re-launched in 2012, a Historica Canada poll asked Canadians which events or figures they would most like to see in a Minute. Terry Fox was the number one suggestion, with 80% of respondents selecting him as their top choice.

CTV News anchor and host Lloyd Robertson lends his signature voice to the Minute, delivering the classic end narration. Days after the Marathon of Hope ended in September 1980, Robertson hosted a star-studded telethon on CTV that raised $10 million. He later served as honorary chairperson of the Terry Fox Run.

 “Terry Fox” can be shared and embedded through this link. A still from the Minute can be downloaded here. A press kit with additional information is available here.

The Terry Fox Heritage Minute was produced by Historica Canada and Calgary-based Corkscrew Media & Stir Films, with assistance from consultants Leslie Scrivener (Author, Terry Fox: His Story), Bill Vigars (formerly of the Canadian Cancer Society) and support from the Fox family.

Heritage Minutes are made possible through funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage

Historica Canada is the country’s largest organization dedicated to enhancing awareness of Canadian history and citizenship.