Call for Board of Directors

 

Our Story: The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program was established in 1982 in honour of Terry Fox, one of Canada’s most beloved heroes. Starting with his 1980 Marathon of Hope, Terry captured the hearts of Canadians and globally through his contribution to cancer research and awareness. To this day, he is widely recognized for his extraordinary sense of purpose and the ideals of courage, determination, and altruism.

The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program was founded to commemorate Terry’s remarkable legacy. Through Sports Canada and Canadian Heritage, the Government of Canada generously laid the foundation for our scholarships through two endowments of $5 million in 1982, and another $10 million in 2006. In Federal Budget 2024, the Program was allotted another $10 million, bringing the endowment plus earnings up to $30 million in total. The endowments are an investment in Canadians, inspiring young humanitarians to seek the noble ideals Terry Fox exemplified and to solve humanitarian problems, particularly in areas that address the most pressing issues of today.

The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program’s vision has always been to honour and advance Terry’s legacy – by encouraging Canadian youth to:

  • Solve humanitarian problems, particularly in areas that address the most pressing issues of today.
  • Emulate Terry’s bravery and tenacity in overcoming obstacles and provide hope under circumstances that may otherwise appear insurmountable.
  • Impact and change local, regional, and global communities, deeply and positively.

Since its foundation in 1982, the Program has granted over1,000 awards.

The Award is highly competitive, receiving nearly 3,500 applications in 2024 and granting 14 awards.

After 43 years, the vision of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program is being re-imagined, making it an exciting time to join the organization. Connecting and representing Canada to the world, solving global problems, enabling humanitarian youth by providing a transformative experience, and honouring and advancing the humanitarian legacy of Terry Fox – by encouraging Canadians to live up to his example of courage, determination, and hope to improve the lives of others – is at the heart of what we do.

Board Openings and Qualifications

At present, we are seeking to fill two positions on our voluntary Board of Directors.

Directors of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award are deeply engaged in the Program and committed to advancing humanitarian causes by identifying and supporting young changemakers.

We are particularly interested in dynamic and experienced individuals who can help us grow the organization and elevate the brand to a household name in Canada, and more globally, by our 50th anniversary in 2032.

Directors contribute to the strategic direction of the Program, provide governance and financial oversight, and engage with elected officials, recipients, alumni, applicants, and funders and potential funders. Our organization is collaborative, collegial, and respectful in its approach to discussions and decision-making.

Elected for a term of three years, Directors may stand for re-election for a maximum term of nine consecutive years.

The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award is currently interested in nominations and/or hearing directly from individuals with some of the following skills and qualifications:

  • Entrepreneurship and business acumen
  • Government and corporate relations
  • Leadership skills
  • Philanthropy and fundraising
  • Marketing and communication
  • Governance experience in a not-for-profit and OR Legal background (LLB, JD)
  • Fiscal management
  • Strategic planning
  • Succession planning
  • Strong networks and the ability to build connections
  • Board experience

We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Time Commitment

Board members are expected to participate in Board meetings every quarter by videoconference and in an Annual General Meeting, which usually rotates between Canadian cities during the last week of May and first week of June. Board members are expected to serve, additionally, on at least one Committee, with an average time commitment of approximately 10-15 hours per month in total.

Application Process

If you are interested in one of these positions, we would like to hear from you. Please send your cover letter and resume outlining your experiences and how you have impacted other organizations in your role as a committee or board member to the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program at admin@terryfoxawards.ca before May 2nd.

Interviews will occur as applications are received, with interviewing to be completed by the end of May or early June. Successful candidates will be expected to start serving on the Board of Directors at the 2025 Annual General Meeting in June or July, which will be held by videoconference.