Quick links
Toonie for Terry
DCHP-3 (Oct 2024)
Spelling variants:toonie for Terry, Toonies for Terry
n., expression — Education
an expression used to encourage individuals to donate two dollars towards cancer research in honour of Terry Fox.
Type: 1. Origin — Toonie for Terry is a Canadianism by virtue of origin as the term toonie is specific to Canada and not found in other internet domains (see Chart 1).
The term appears to have developed in the 1990s (see the 1999 quotation). The expression has been commonly used in Canadian elementary, middle, and high schools since the early 2000s to encourage students to donate a two dollar coin ("toonie", see the linked entry below) towards cancer research in honour of Terry Fox (see Images 1 & 2). Terry Fox was a Canadian university student who had lost a leg to cancer. He decided in 1980, after he was declared cancer free, to raise money for cancer research. He began his "Marathon of Hope" on 12 April 1980 with the goal of running across Canada to raise this money. Unfortunately, after 5373 kilometres of running on one leg, just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Terry was brought back to Toronto for some tests. It was discovered that Terry's cancer had spread to his lungs. He returned to New Westminster, BC, where he passed away at just 22 years old.
The term appears to have developed in the 1990s (see the 1999 quotation). The expression has been commonly used in Canadian elementary, middle, and high schools since the early 2000s to encourage students to donate a two dollar coin ("toonie", see the linked entry below) towards cancer research in honour of Terry Fox (see Images 1 & 2). Terry Fox was a Canadian university student who had lost a leg to cancer. He decided in 1980, after he was declared cancer free, to raise money for cancer research. He began his "Marathon of Hope" on 12 April 1980 with the goal of running across Canada to raise this money. Unfortunately, after 5373 kilometres of running on one leg, just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Terry was brought back to Toronto for some tests. It was discovered that Terry's cancer had spread to his lungs. He returned to New Westminster, BC, where he passed away at just 22 years old.
See: toonie
Quotations
1999
Glen Lake elementary also staged its first Terry Fox Run with a Friday event involving about 350 students, staff and parents, said Dave Hill of the school's parent advisory group. And at Gordon Head elementary last week, staff and students used a slogan of "A toonie for Terry in 2000" to raise $515, said teacher Wendy Gedney.
2003
Students and staff at Robert J. Lee Public School recently banded together to keep the dreams of Terry Fox alive. Students were encouraged to donate to the Toonie for Terry campaign.
2004
As part of our Terry Fox project, students were encouraged to take part in a Toonie for Terry walk or jog around the park.
2005
St. James students will walk, run or jog from their Victoria Road school to the covered bridge on York Road and back. It will also hold a Toonies for Terry collection that could raise over $2,000 if every student participates.
2008
The entire Middle School participated in the special celebrations marking the 25th Anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon Of Hope.The Middle School raised over $500.00 towards the Marathon of Hope by collecting a 'toonie for Terry'.
2010
This year, instead of collecting pledges, the students were asked to bring "Toonies for Terry." Condor School is also participating in "Toonies for Terry," but is doing it separately from Leslieville.
2011
On Monday, September 26th the staff and students at Brown Jr. P.S. took part in the annual Toonie for Terry Walk. Students made signs and posters and carried them proudly in memory of Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope.
2013
"For our Terry Fox Run today what we do is promote the students to bring in a toonie for Terry. They get a tattoo if they bring the donation and if they have the tattoo, they are allowed to wear a hat in school all day and that is always a bonus for students".
2019
"Toonies for Terry" outside the main doors, side doors etc……we will be out in full force with the music playing as we collect from students and staff!
2024
Our Terry Fox Run is this Friday. We encourage everyone to donate a "Toonie for Terry", or you can donate online [...].
2024
Teachers are planning activities to mark this special event to raise money for Cancer research. We are asking all students to bring in a Toonie for Terry.
2024
We will be collecting "Toonies for Terry" from September 27th – October 1st. Students can bring in cash donations any day that week and we will donate the money to the Terry Fox Foundation.
2024
Students from Central Manitoulin Public School are encouraged to bring in a toonie for a “Toonies for Terry” fundraiser in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. Staff and students will participate in a school-wide assembly to learn more about the Foundation and how their efforts make a difference.
References
- Terry Fox Foundation • 12 April 1980
- Terry Fox Foundation • 11 July 1980
- Wikipedia (2024), s.v. "Terry Fox"
Images
Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 28 October 2024
Image 1: A school bulletin board display in Milton, ON. Photo: Queen of Heaven Catholic Elementary School.
