Happy Terry Fox Day, you guys!
While Canadians across the country are enjoying their civic holidays with some family-friendly fun, from Regatta Day in Newfoundland to “British Columbia Day” and “Saskatchewan Day” in those two respective provinces, Manitobans are getting used to wishing each other a Happy Terry Fox Day this August long weekend.
It was announced last week by Premier Greg Selinger that a bill will be introduced in the fall sitting of the provincial legislature to officially name the August civic holiday in honour of Terry Fox.
“We’d certainly be the first, we hope we’re not going to be the last because his impact was all across the country,” Selinger told the media Wednesday.
Born in Winnipeg July 28, 1958, Terry Fox became a hero to Canadians when he set out on his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980. Fox died a little over a year later, on June 28, 1981 at the age of 22. Each year, the Terry Fox Run is held in honour and a fundraiser for the Terry Fox Foundation’s cancer research. To date, over $600 million has been raised.
And so, wherever you’re enjoying your August Long Weekend, let me raise a cold glass and wish you a Happy Terry Fox Day from Friendly Manitoba!
[image via MDV/Flickr]
