Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: September 15, 2025
Every September, people across the country run to remember a Canadian hero: Terry Fox. This year, the Terry Fox Run celebrated its 45th anniversary.
Terry Fox was a Canadian cancer activist. His goal was to create change and raise money for cancer research. His personal experience with cancer led him to start the Marathon of Hope in April 1980. Unfortunately, he was forced to stop running on September 1, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres. Before his death on June 28, 1981, Terry had achieved his goal of raising $1 from every Canadian.
During his journey, he stopped in more than 400 towns, schools and cities to talk about why he was running. Terry also visited Beaver Creek Institution. He shared dinner with staff and inmates. The old cafeteria in Beaver Creek, where the dinner took place, is now called the Terry Fox Room.
Terry Fox was determined to achieve the goals he set for himself. He never gave up. To this day, we remember his legacy and celebrate what he did for cancer research.
Terry Fox showed us what it means to be resilient, hopeful, and committed to a cause greater than oneself. His story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can make a difference.
Let’s honour his legacy by reflecting on the power of perseverance and the impact one person can have.
Terry Fox at Beaver Creek Institution
“I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try.” - Terry Fox