When Terry Fox took his historical run - the Marathon of Hope - halfway across Canada in the summer of 1980, he stirred the pride and compassion of Canadians and internationally with his courage, high humanitarian ideals, and his outstanding athletic achievement. The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program was established in 1981 to honour the spirit of Terry Fox, one of Canada’s greatest heroes, by encouraging Canadian youth who strive to emulate Terry Fox’s benevolence and determination, to continue performing humanitarian work while attending college or university by awarding scholarships across Canada. Through a grant by the Government of Canada and an endowment from the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program has paved the way for nearly 700 scholars to pursue higher education while they continue to volunteer selflessly to humanitarian work in their homes, schools, and communities. The inscription on the award reads: "In recognition of having demonstrated the highest ideals and qualities of citizenship and humanitarian service while in pursuit of excellence in academics, amateur sport, fitness, health and voluntary community service. In so doing has reflected those ideals of courage, humanitarianism, service and compassion, which Terry Fox embodied."