Forty-three years ago today, Terry Fox inspired hundreds of area residents and visitors at the Orillia Aquatheatre with his determination and resilience.
The all-volunteer Orillia Terry Fox Run organizing committee and some community partners are giving everyone an opportunity to celebrate and share how Terry’s remarkable story continues to inspire people. Replicating the avalanche of mail he received during and after the Marathon of Hope, everyone is invited to submit their #DearTerry messages for a chance to be featured in this year’s campaign, including on a custom-made commemorative #DearTerry poster designed by famed artist Mutant 101® to be released on run day.
To share your #DearTerry message:
- Pick up and drop off your pre-addressed, personalized ‘Dear Terry’ postcards at Audies Hair Design or Midas Orillia (other locations will be participating – follow us on social media for locations)
- Submit your #DearTerry messages or photo files online at org OR
- Share on social using #DearTerry and tagging @terryfoxfoundation and #TerryFoxRunOrillia
“I love this initiative and the corresponding 2023 t-shirt design because it allows people to reflect on this great Canadian and the personal impact Terry has had on so many lives since 1980, including my own,” says Orillia Run Organizer Alison Stoneman.
The local committee also needs your help to let everyone know that the community run site is shifting for this year to Tudhope Park and to encourage advance registration online to raise or donate funds at https://run.terryfox.ca/orillia
“Demonstrating Terry’s resilience, the volunteer run organizing committee is moving this year’s event to Tudhope Park, responding to the safety challenges presented by construction affecting access to our usual start and finish on Terry Fox Circle,” adds Stoneman. “We appreciate the City of Orillia’s ongoing collaboration to make this temporary transition as seamless as possible for our loyal participants and run day volunteers.” More details on Orillia’s run day operations will be released via social media in the weeks leading up to Sunday, September 17th.
At the first post-pandemic Orillia Terry Fox Run in 2022, participants and volunteers raised a record-shattering $51,222.56 for research into all forms of cancer. That total also surpassed the perennial one-dollar-per-Orillia resident goal for the 14th consecutive year, bringing the cumulative total raised to $905,248.24.
Many area residents still remember July 27th, 1980 – the day hundreds of people gathered to hear Fox speak as part of the original Marathon of Hope for cancer research. Terry would celebrate his 22nd birthday the next day.
Terry Fox Runs will be held on Sunday, September 17th in Orillia, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Heart of Georgian Bay (Midland area), Sugarbush (Oro-Medonte), Lagoon City-Brechin, Beaverton and across Canada.