Ted on the Roof returns to Morello’s one last time

Final event begins Thursday in aid of cancer research

Rain or shine, Ted Dawes will be on the roof Victoria Day long weekend for his annual Ted on the Roof fundraiser.

The year’s event is dubbed the “The Final Chapter,” as it will be Dawes’ final time on the Morello’s Your Independent Grocer’s roof.

Dawes, a Minute Maid employee, will rise to the rooftop on Thursday, May 16, hoping to raise enough money to reach a 20-year fundraising total of almost a half-a-million dollars for cancer research.

So far, he has raised more than $400,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

While going on the roof has been the cornerstone of the May long-weekend fundraiser, Dawes has also raised awareness and funds for leukemia research by shaving his head and walking from Parliament Hill to SickKids Hospital.

The 436-kilometre walk from Ottawa to Toronto took place in May 2009. Dawes stopped in 40 towns, including Peterborough, on his 21-day journey. He walked around 40 kilometres, or eight hours a day.

As always, the Ted on the Roof fundraiser will end with an auction, raffle, bake sale and barbecue. Proceeds from this event will go entirely toward finding a cure for the disease.

If you’re interested in supporting the initiative, you can contact Sue Amsbury at 705761-6065 or sueamsbury@gmail.com.

METROLAND FILE PHOTO Ted Dawes, left, is ready for his annual Victoria Day long weekend rooftop campout atop Morello’s Your Independent Grocer on Lansdowne Street East, again raising money for leukemia research with help from Dave Morello, store owner, and Sue Amsbury, the event’s co-ordinator.