The Terry Fox Foundation has announced that this year’s kit has been designed by Ryan Reynolds to honor one of Canada’s most inspirational figures – and the response has been “overwhelming”.
Reynolds posted a photo of himself wearing the shirt on Saturday, alluding to his involvement in this year’s cancer research fundraiser.
“I’ve competed in the Terry Fox Run since second grade and can’t think of a more enduring or beautiful legacy for one person. Terry Fox inspired millions in life and death,” he wrote.
After a flood of people asking how they could get the shirt themselves, the charity posted a saying online “Secret Revealed” and the announcement that it was designed by Reynolds and would be available to registrants for the April 12 annual run — the 43rd anniversary of the start of the Marathon of Hope.
But that didn’t seem to satisfy people who wanted to get their hands on Reynolds’ design and contribute to a good cause at the same time.
On Sunday morning, the Terry Fox Foundation announced it would be selling the shirts early, an unprecedented step taken due to overwhelming demand.
“We’re pleased with the early response from backers and have launched our first-ever presale,” a spokesman told CTV News in an email.
“We want to include celebrity Canadians in our annual launch to reach a wider audience and generate early excitement for the Terry Fox Run. Terry’s story and legacy resonates so deeply with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in Canada and beyond.”
The shirt itself features Fox against a background with the words “Dear Terry” and “Cher Terry”. The text looks handwritten and the design was inspired by “the countless messages Terry has received from the millions of people he continues to inspire,” according to the foundation’s website. Real letters Fox received can be seen on the back of the shirt. One simply reads, “Run, Terry, run.” Another says, “You are my greatest hero of all time.”
In the years since Fox set out to walk across the country raising funds and awareness, the annual event honoring his legacy has raised more than $850 million for cancer research.
This year’s Terry Fox Run is scheduled for September 17th. Information on how to participate is available online.
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