British Columbia

Terry Fox's dad named grand marshal of Vancouver's Santa Claus parade

Organizers say Rolly Fox will lead the annual parade that kicks off the holiday season in Vancouver and attracts 300,000 spectators to the downtown core.

Annual parade attracts 300,000 to Vancouver's downtown core

Terry Fox set out on the Marathon of Hope in 1980 intending to run from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Victoria, B.C. His father, Rolly Fox, been named grand marshal of Vancouver's 12th annual Santa Claus parade. (Canadian Press)

The father of Marathon of Hope runner Terry Fox has been named grand marshal of Vancouver's 12th annual Santa Claus parade.

Organizers have announced Rolly Fox will lead the annual parade that kicks off the holiday season in Vancouver and attracts 300,000 spectators to the downtown core.

Fox was selected to honour the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope as well as the tremendous work done by the Terry Fox Foundation to raise money for cancer research.

Rolly Fox was selected to honour the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

The announcement came as the last of 300 street banners were hung along the parade route.

More than 3,500 people on floats and in marching bands, choirs and community groups, will take part in the parade slated for Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. PT.

Spectators are urged to bring cash or a non-perishable food donation. Since 2004, the Santa Claus parade has helped raise more than $140,000 and 34,000 kilograms of food for the Food Bank and Lower Mainland families in need.