Comparison of Leadership of Terry Fox and James Shaver Woodsworth

Leadership is a very important and practical skill where a passionate individual guides others to help them do the right things. In Canada, there are many leaders who portray effective leadership skills, but it is evident that some individuals demonstrate better skills than others. Based on determination, durability and profundity, Terry Fox is a more significant leader than James Shaver Woodsworth.

Terry Fox was a very significant leader, due to his strong act of determination towards running the “Marathon of Hope.” He worked hard to overcome many of his cancer related obstacles, by running across Canada to raise money for cancer research. While Terry vigorously ran for his marathon, he stated, “There can be no reason for me to stop. No matter what pain I suffer, it is nothing compared to the pain of those who have cancer...”. Dyck, a donor of the Children’s Hospital Foundation was amazed to see how hard working someone with cancer could be. He said, “I’ve cycled over what Terry Fox ran and I couldn’t image how somebody with a prosthetic leg could do that, so he had incredible determination.” Terry had a vision to see a world without cancer, and wanted others to help make this dream come true. His strong act of determination demonstrates how passionate he was towards this issue, and involving others throughout his journey allowed these people to look up to him, and help raise more awareness for cancer research. This made Terry a successful leader, as he was able to achieve what he had strived for. On the other hand, James Shaver Woodsworth was a very diligent leader of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation. He consistently campaigned for labour rights, improved social welfare measures and democratic socialism. He was not a very good orator or an outstanding party politician, because a number of his speeches were not well spoken and were not very convincing to his audience. Despite his hard work for the crusade, he failed to make socialism a reality in Canada. Although James did have some diligent qualities, he faced difficulties while working with the C.C.F, which makes Terry more of an effective leader in terms of determination.

In terms of durability, Terry was more of an effective leader, as he had a very long lasting impact on the lives of many individuals. He strived to raise money for cancer research, and has received help from many people for a very long period of time. He insisted people to raise money, as he was not able to make his dream come true on his own. He stated, “I’ve said to people before that I’m going to do my very best to make it… But I might not make it… if I don’t, the Marathon of Hope better continue.” Many people continue to run in the Marathon of Hope to support Terry and raise money for cancer research. Every year, millions of people in close to 25 countries continue to participate in Terry Fox Runs and fundraising events. To date, over $700 million has been raised for cancer research in Terry’s name.

Terry had fascinated many people due to his strong passion towards finding a cure for cancer. Nearly four decades later, his legacy continues to inspire people around the world. James Shaver Woodsworth, had introduced the old age pension plan, a monthly payment available to seniors who meet the Canadian legal status requirements. Seniors still benefit from this pension, as Woodsworth’s plan had aided them for many years. Although this plan was successful, there are other alternatives for the retirees to receive money, for example having an R.R.S.P. This plan allows seniors to receive interest from what they have originally saved. Moreover, James was not the only leader of the C.C.F. as there were 2 other leaders who have contributed to making the decisions for this party. Terry Fox as an individual had impacted the lives of millions, and this influence is still present on these people. Terry Fox was more of a significant leader than James Woodsworth, as his impact on individuals was very profound. He had left a great example for others to follow, and had influenced the world to raise more awareness for cancer. Timmins Mayor, Tom Laughren has been very impressed with Terry’s effort and stated, “… what he dedicated to his fellow young people was phenomenal and that is what people have caught on to.” Steve Fonyo, another cancer patient had set off on his cross-Canada marathon to raise money for cancer research. His “Journey for Lives” campaign followed in the footsteps of Terry Fox.

Terry became an inspiration to millions, and helped them not only raise awareness for cancer, but to follow their dreams and continue doing what they love best. As Terry’s vision of having a world without cancer is slowly becoming a reality, many people have been positively impacted by either becoming cancer free or seeing a loved one slowly recover. This had a very profound impact on these individuals, as they were life changing events that have helped them live a better life. James Woodsworth had also demonstrated some profound qualities, though to a lesser extent. He elaborated on concerns related to Canada and expressed sympathy for the new immigrants to the country. In his book, My Neighbor, he focussed about the city conditions and social services of the country, and wrote, As our cities are still young and immature, it may be well to study the charities of a more developed city, as these are based on great human needs and social conditions similar to our own, we shall soon have all these institutions represented in each of our cities. Woodsworth had a great concern for the cities in Canada, and wanted to see more enhancement for a better and more sustained country. He wanted Canada to have social services like other developed countries so that it would be beneficial to all the citizens. This has positively impacted these people as they were able to live a better life with more available services. Although Woodsworth was very involved in making Canada a better place, he has dutifully served with accusations of criminal charges, harassment and imprisonment. He was arrested for sedition during the Winnipeg General Strike in 1919. These acts have taken a toll on Woodsworth’s career and his credibility had been terminated. Unlike Terry, James was not the greatest role model for others to follow, as he portrayed some unacceptable acts.

Overall, Terry had more profound impacts that were positive on the community, compared to James, which made Terry more of a significant leader. Terry Fox was a more significant leader than James Shaver Woodsworth, based on determination, durability, and profundity. He was a very hard working individual who tiressley fought for cancer, and the passion he had for this issue was absolutely incredible. The Marathon of Hope had inspired millions of people around a world to be a part of a change, by raising money and awareness for cancer. James had many plans to make Canada a better place, but some of his plans had failed, such as socialism in Canada. He was also charged with many accusations, which had negatively impacted his reputation and had taken a toll on his career. To this day, people continue to raise money and awareness for not only cancer research, but also many other charities in which people benefit from.