Exhibit looks at life of Terry Fox
ASHBURNHAM WARD COLUMN
Terry Fox once said if he could raise one dollar from every Canadian, he was bound and bent that the money would go to research for people and children suffering with cancer.
He achieved this and more through the Marathon of Hope, a cross country run that raised awareness and 24 million in pledges.
The Peterborough Museum and Archives takes a look at the Canadian hero and icon who inspired a worldwide movement.
Terry Fox: Running to the Heart of Canada is a travelling exhibit on loan from the Canadian Museum of History. The display opened Saturday and runs until Dec. 9.
The museum booked the travelling show four years ago, when it first launched.
“Even though Terry Fox never came to Peterborough, the wave of supporters was huge,” said PMA curator Kim Reid.
It has been 38 years since that original run, but interest is still high.
“St. Peter’s high school has consistently been a high fundraiser for the Terry Fox Run,” she said.
The national Terry Fox Run for 2018 concluded Sept. 17, the school program happened Sept. 27 and during September, events happened around the world.
“The timing could not be more perfect,” Reid said.
The exhibit contains information panels documenting Fox’s marathon journey across the country, including the start of the marathon in St. John’s to the final miles near Thunder Bay.
You can view many of the iconic photos taken during that time.
The exhibit includes activities for adults and kids. Plans are also in the works for a separate educational program.
While many people remember where they were during the first Marathon Of Hope, there is still a need for education about his legacy.
“Both adults and kids want to learn about Terry Fox,” said
Reid.
Included in the display are artefacts from Terry Fox himself, including his basketball jersey and a donation box, one of only three in existence.
There is also a document Terry used to map out his training schedule before he began the original marathon.
“He was an athlete. He played basketball and was in track and field. He trained for this,” Reid said.
The exhibit also shows how an average guy, faced with a life changing event, turned that into something that was bigger than himself for the benefit of others.
“It’s got to keep going without me.” – Terry Fox.
You can view Running to the Heart of Canada weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends, noon . to 5 p.m. Admission is by donation. The PMA is located at 300 Hunter St. E., Museum Drive, on top of Armour Hill.
Lioness meeting
The Peterborough Lioness hosts a dinner meeting set for Oct 16 at the Peterborough Lions Club, 347 Burnham St. The dinner welcomes women interested in joining.
Lioness are a group of women whose main objective is to serve the community, share their common interests while enjoying fun & fellowship.
Deadline to RSVP is Oct 9. For details, contact president Keitha Bush at 705-939-6976 or membership Terryanne Macdonald at 705-874-8545.