[BCMA] Royal BC Museum to become stewards of iconic Terry Fox collection

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv]

VICTORIA, BC —The Royal BC Museum and the Terry Fox Centre today announced
that they have proudly entered a long-term partnership to protect and
preserve the iconic Terry Fox collection for generations to come.

The Royal BC Museum will become stewards of the Fox family’s collection of
objects gathered throughout both the Canadian legend’s short life and 1980
Marathon of Hope.

“For 44 years, Terry Fox has been an inspiration to Canadians and we are
thrilled to be entrusted with the stewardship of this important
collection,” says Tracey Drake, CEO of the Royal BC Museum. “The Royal BC
Museum is proud to work alongside the Terry Fox Centre and Fox family to
safeguard and preserve Terry’s legacy, and dream, for future generations.”

The Terry Fox Centre is currently looking to secure a permanent home for
the sizeable “All Things Terry” collection. The partnership with the Royal
BC Museum presented the opportunity to safeguard this important piece of
the province’s history for future generations to share in the legacy of
Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope.

“We are excited by how our partnership with the Royal BC Museum will assist
us in our efforts to engage Canadians and people worldwide with Terry’s
story of hope, courage and determination,” says Darrell Fox on behalf of
the Terry Fox family and the Terry Fox Centre. “Terry is not with us
physically, but his shoes, leg, sock and Marathon of Hope t-shirts,
together with thousands of other artifacts, will inspire future generations
to pursue their dreams while giving back.”

April 12 marks the 44th anniversary of the day Terry set out on his
Marathon of Hope, a feat that would have taken him and his support crew
across the country from the Atlantic Ocean in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to
his final destination, the Pacific Ocean in Vancouver, BC.

The cancer that would go on to claim Terry’s life returned, halting his
daily marathons on September 1, 1980, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, 5,373 km
from where he started.

“It is an honour to announce the preservation of iconic artifacts belonging
to Canadian hero Terry Fox,” says Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts,
Culture and Sport. “These artifacts serve as powerful reminders of Terry's
indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to his Marathon of Hope. By
safeguarding these pieces of history, we ensure that Terry's legacy
continues to inspire generations to come, encouraging perseverance,
resilience, and the pursuit of helping Canadians everywhere.”

The collection includes a number of iconic items owned and worn by Terry,
including the shoes and prosthetic leg he wore on his daily marathons, the
van he and his best friend/driver Doug and younger brother Darrell slept in
throughout the journey, and a large collection of letters written to Terry
from school children across the country. The collection is considered part
of a 20-year long-term partnership and will remain in the ownership of the
Fox family.

Many of the objects included in the collection were once part of the *Terry
Fox: Running to the Heart of Canada *travelling exhibition that was on
display at the Royal BC Museum from April to October 2017.



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*About the Royal BC Museum*: The Royal BC Museum explores the province’s
human history and natural history, advances new knowledge and understanding
of BC, and provides a dynamic forum for discussion and a place for
reflection. The museum and archives celebrate culture and history, telling
the stories of BC in ways that enlighten, stimulate and inspire. Located in
Victoria on the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) peoples, known today
as the Songhees and Esquimalt nations, we are a hub of community
connections in BC—on-site, off-site and online—taking pride in our
collective histories.

For tickets to IMAX® Victoria and the Royal BC Museum, including combo
tickets for both attractions, visit: Tickets
<https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/plan-your-visit/buy-tickets>

Memberships are back! Pick yours up today: Membership
<https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/royal-bc-museum-membership>

For information about visiting the Royal BC Museum, visit: Plan Your Visit
<https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/plan-your-visit/visiting-us>

*Media contact*:
Jamie Toth
Corporate Communications Manager
250-920-9097
news at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
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