37 years ago, in the early morning of July 13, Terry Fox ran into Oakville and later into Burlington on day 93 of his Marathon of Hope. In honour of his run through our community Canada Post’s official Terry Fox stamp was unveiled in Oakville, Ontario.
In recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, Canada Post introduced a new stamp collection that showcases 10 unforgettable moments or achievements from the past 50 years. They are stories of courage, compassion, innovation and diversity. I am thrilled that Canada Post and its stamp advisory committee selected the Marathon of Hope as one of those 10 great achievements in our country’s history.
Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope is one of the most identifiable and cherished events in Canadian history and remains an enduring symbol of courage, selflessness and hope. Terry’s stamp is the sixth stamp in the collection and it’s a fitting tribute to a young man who captivated our country and changed the global face of cancer research and treatment. Terry Fox is cherished by Canadians across the country. In fact, Terry was recently named in the Ottawa Citizen’s online survey as one of the top 20 things and people that make Canadians proud to be Canadian. Terry is second on the list, bested only by “Freedom.”
As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary, we celebrate the people, places and cultural diversity that make Canada a great place to live and commemorate the moments that have shaped our country and its history. One of the greatest moments in Canadian history will always be Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
As a long-time supporter and Terry Fox Run organizer, I'm inspired by Terry’s selfless example, courage and unwavering determination. It is a delight to see Terry recognized by Canada Post as one of our country’s most influential people. His legacy of innovation, determination and leadership was solidified in history when he set out on Canada’s first charitable run, which today remains the largest single day fundraiser in the world.
Terry would be humbled by the Canada 150 Terry Fox stamp and he would most likely say it should honour cancer patients, not him. But it is because of Terry that cancer patients have more reason to have hope than ever.
Before he died, Terry told the world, “I want to try the impossible to show that it can be done. Even if I don’t finish, it’s got to keep going. I believe in miracles. I have to.”
Canada Post’s Terry Fox stamp commemorating his 1980 Marathon of Hope is the sixth stamp in the Canada 150 collection. To date, the annual Terry Fox Run, held in countries across the world, has raised more than $700 million for cancer research. The Oakville 2017 Terry Fox Run will be held on Sunday, September 17 at Coronation Park.
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