TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - As Canadians mark the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope this September, Historica Canada is launching a new Heritage Minute about Terry Fox. The Minute debuts on television today, in rotation across Bell Media properties. Viewers across Canada can tune in to see the Minute before its online release on www.historicacanada.ca on Wednesday, September 16.
CTV News' 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.
"Of all the news stories I've covered, very few have touched me as deeply as the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope," said Robertson. "I'm honoured to lend my voice and support for this Heritage Minute, and to celebrate the legacy of a true Canadian hero."
"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 new spot. Terry Fox was the number one suggestion, with 80% of respondents selecting him as their top choice.
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.
SOURCE Historica Canada
Image with caption: "Historica Canada (CNW Group/Historica Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150915_C7861_PHOTO_EN_496317.jpg
Andrea Hall, Communications Coordinator, [email protected], 416-506-1867 ext 261
Share this article