Ted Dawes has done it again. By combining a quirky approach to fundraising with a heavy dose of personal courage, the member-activist from UFCW Canada Local 175 has inspired people from across the country to open their wallets and donate a staggering amount of money to leukemia and lymphoma research.

Formally known as “Ted on the Roof” – for previous fundraising efforts that involved spending days camped atop his local grocery in Peterborough, Ont. – Dawes became “Ted on the Road” this year after deciding to demonstrate his heroic commitment to the cause by walking from Ottawa to Toronto.

The switch from roof to road raised a total of $42,000 for UFCW Canada’s charity of choice, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).

“The walk was tough, no question, but it raised a lot of money and awareness for a really important cause, and, despite the blisters, I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” said Dawes shortly after limping into Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square for the big finish.

“Ted’s perseverance and devotion are truly amazing,” says UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley. “It’s because of Ted and the efforts of all other UFCW Canada members that our union is making a real difference in the fight to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood related cancers.”