In 1980, a young Canadian man with one leg and an artificial limb embarked on an inspiring journey that covered 5,373 kilometres before cancer forced him to stop. That’s why Manitoba has a day to honour him and his story.
What is Terry Fox Day in Manitoba?
Terry Fox Day is a commemorative day to honour Terry Fox, a Canadian athlete and cancer research advocate known for his Marathon of Hope. It encourages Canadians to support cancer research and engage with the mission of a world without cancer.
Who was Terry Fox?
Terry Fox was born on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. He was an active teenager involved in multiple sports until he was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 18. This led to the amputation of his right leg. Instead of giving up, he ran to raise funds and awareness for cancer research in Canada.
On April 12, 1980, he began the Marathon of Hope in St. John’s, Newfoundland, after 18 months of training. He ran about 42 kilometres every day, even though facing many challenges. As he continued, he gradually attracted media attention and growing crowds of supporters.
Unfortunately, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres, cancer returned in his lungs, forcing him to stop running on September 1, 1980.
On June 28, 1981, Terry passed away at the young age of 22. By early 1981, he had raised $24.17 million for cancer research, exceeding his goal of a dollar from every Canadian.
Today, through the Terry Fox Foundation and other initiatives, over $900 million has been raised in his name for cancer research. It continues to inspire people to support the fight against cancer and shows how one person can make a significant impact.
Source: Terry’s Story – A Dream As Big As Our Country – terryfox.org
When is Terry Fox Day in Manitoba?
Terry Fox Day falls on the first Monday in August, coinciding with the Civic Holiday across Canadian provinces and territories.
Additionally, distinct from the commemorative day is Terry Fox Run Day, held on the second Sunday after Labour Day in September, which focuses on active fundraising. Employees can engage with both by reflecting in August and participating in organized runs or donations in September.
The table below shows the dates of Terry Fox Day and Terry Fox Run Day from 2025 to 2030:
| Year | Terry Fox Day (First Monday in August) | Terry Fox Run Day (Second Sunday after Labour Day) |
| 2025 | Monday, August 4 | Sunday, September 14 |
| 2026 | Monday, August 3 | Sunday, September 20 |
| 2027 | Monday, August 2 | Sunday, September 19 |
| 2028 | Monday, August 7 | Sunday, September 17 |
| 2029 | Monday, August 6 | Sunday, September 16 |
| 2030 | Monday, August 5 | Sunday, September 15 |
Source: When is Terry Fox Day in Manitoba, Canada? – holidayapi.com
Terry Fox Day vs Terry Fox Run Day: Key Differences
Terry Fox Day Manitoba focuses on remembrance and recognition, while Terry Fox Run Day centres on active fundraising participation through the annual Terry Fox Run events. Neither day is a statutory holiday, but they differ in timing, purpose, and typical observance patterns.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the differences between Terry Fox Day and Terry Fox Run Day:
| Aspect | Terry Fox Day (August) | Terry Fox Run Day (September) |
| Date Formula | First Monday in August | Second Sunday after Labour Day |
| Specific Date | Monday, August 3, 2026 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 |
| Day of Week | Always Monday | Always Sunday |
| Typical Activities | Workplace tributes, moments of silence, donation drives, and educational activities about Terry Fox | Community runs, school Terry Fox Runs, fundraising events, and physical participation |
| Workplace Impact | Regular workday unless the employer grants discretionary leave | Weekend day, no workplace impact for Monday-Friday employees |
In short, Terry Fox Day asks Canadians to pause and remember; Terry Fox Run Day asks them to move and contribute. Recognizing this difference allows employees to engage with both observances in meaningful but distinct ways.
Is Terry Fox Day a Statutory Holiday in Manitoba?
No. Terry Fox Day is not a statutory holiday in Manitoba or anywhere else in Canada despite its legislative recognition through The Terry Fox Legacy Act. As of 2025, Manitoba recognizes nine general holidays that carry statutory protections:
- New Year’s Day
- Louis Riel Day
- Good Friday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Orange Shirt Day (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30)
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
As a result, employees have no automatic entitlement to paid leave on Terry Fox Day. And employers face no legal requirement to provide compensation for hours worked that day. Yet, some employers choose to observe the day as an opportunity for community engagement and corporate social responsibility.
How Can Employees Observe Terry Fox Day?
Observing Terry Fox Day at work can vary depending on employer policies. Employees can participate by making donations, sharing Terry Fox’s story, or attending the Terry Fox Run in September.
If you have shirts or gear from previous runs, wear Terry Fox Run apparel or colours on Terry Fox Day to create visible recognition even in workplaces without formal observance. What matters most is translating awareness into action, however small, that supports the cancer research mission.
For workplaces that recognize Terry Fox Day or want to suggest it, larger group activities can be organized. Donation drives with matching programs can significantly increase contributions. Donating online at terryfox.org is easy, secure, and provides immediate tax receipts, with the majority of funds going directly to cancer research.
Additionally, hosting a lunch-and-learn session about Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope can help educate colleagues and encourage participation in September events.
Terry Fox Day in Manitoba vs Civic Holiday in Canada
Note that Manitoba is the only province to have formally legislated the first Monday in August as “Terry Fox Day” through the Terry Fox Legacy Act. Meanwhile, most other provinces observe the first Monday in August as a generic “Civic Holiday” under various local names.
While they serve the same calendar function, Manitoba celebrate it with deeper meaning. Key distinctions of Manitoba’s approach are:
| Aspect | Terry Fox Day (Manitoba) | Civic Holiday (Other Provinces) |
| Legislative Status | Original legislation through the Terry Fox Legacy Act (2015). It was consolidated into Manitoba’s broader commemorative days legislation in 2022. (Source) | Varies: some statutory, some observance-only, some no legislation |
| Named After | Specific person (Terry Fox, born in Winnipeg) | Generic civic celebration or local historical figures |
| Purpose | Honour Terry Fox’s legacy; promote cancer research awareness | Celebrate local history, provide a summer-long weekend |
| Workplace Rights | Non-statutory (no automatic paid leave) | Varies by province: statutory in BC, SK, NB, NWT, NU; discretionary elsewhere |
| Companion Observance | Terry Fox Run Day (2nd Sunday after Labour Day in September) | No related observance |
| Provincial Pride Element | Strong (Terry Fox’s birthplace province) | Moderate (local historical connection) |
| Fundraising Component | Active (cancer research donations encouraged) | Minimal or none |
Despite its unique legislative designation, Terry Fox Day shares the same non-statutory status as the generic Civic Holiday in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. This results in important parallels and distinctions for Manitoba employees. The rules regarding this holiday in Manitoba are determined entirely by your employer’s policies.
The bottom line
To wrap up, Terry Fox Day in August is a day to honour his legacy, but it is not a general holiday. Employees can still participate during or outside work hours, and employers can choose to support their teams by matching donations or offering flexible options. Whether through workplace activities, donations, or the run in September, participating in this day helps keep Terry’s Marathon of Hope alive.
FAQs about Terry Fox Day in Manitoba
Why did Manitoba create Terry Fox Day when other provinces did not?
Manitoba established Terry Fox Day primarily because Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Can my employer require me to work on Terry Fox Day?
Yes. Employers can require you to work on Terry Fox Day because it is not a statutory holiday under Manitoba’s Employment Standards Code.
What’s the connection between Terry Fox Day and the Marathon of Hope?
Terry Fox Day honours the legacy of the Marathon of Hope, Terry Fox’s iconic cross-Canada run for cancer research that began on April 12, 1980. The Marathon of Hope was Terry’s ambitious plan to run across Canada from coast to coast after his own battle with bone cancer.
How do I register for the Terry Fox Run in September?
Visit terryfox.org to find your local Terry Fox Run event and register online. Most runs are free to attend, though fundraising is strongly encouraged. You can register as an individual participant or join an existing team, including workplace teams, if your employer has registered one.
Do schools close for Terry Fox Day?
No, schools in Manitoba do not close for Terry Fox Day, as it is not a statutory holiday. However, since August is during summer break in most Canadian provinces, schools are already closed for vacation.
How much funding has the Terry Fox Foundation raised?
As of 2025, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $900 million worldwide in Terry Fox’s name for cancer research. The annual Terry Fox Run has grown to over 9,000 events in more than 25 countries, with over 2 million participants worldwide raising funds for cancer research.
Where can I donate to the Terry Fox Foundation?
You can donate through their official website at terryfox.org. If you prefer, you can also donate by phone, mail, or in person at participating Terry Fox Run events in September. Many employers offer donation-matching programs or workplace giving campaigns that support the Terry Fox Foundation. So check with your HR department to see if this option is available.
Can workplaces hold Terry Fox fundraising events during work hours?
Yes, workplaces can hold Terry Fox fundraising events during work hours, and many employers across Canada do so as part of their corporate social responsibility and employee engagement initiatives.
Can I volunteer for Terry Fox Foundation activities on Terry Fox Day?
Yes, you can volunteer for Terry Fox Foundation activities, though the primary volunteer opportunities occur around the September Terry Fox Run rather than on Terry Fox Day itself in August.
Can employers require employees to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation?
No, employers cannot require or force employees to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation or any charitable organization. Charitable giving must always be voluntary in Canadian workplaces.
