Every year in Saskatchewan, the Kinsmen and Kinnettes host a fundraiser for those in the community who need help. The funding often goes to people who need money to travel for health care, special devices to assist them in their daily lives, and so on. The event, called Telemiracle, just wrapped up their 39th annual show, raising over $4 million.
And Bob McGrath from Sesame Street has been the host for 38 of those shows, missing just one in all those years, due to a scheduling conflict. Now aged 82, he announced that this year would be his last show, because he wants to spend more time with his wife and family and is cutting back on entertainment commitments.
I’ve never heard how it was that he decided to leave Cookie Monster and Elmo behind every year to come north to help Telemiracle, but his efforts are certainly appreciated. In the past 39 years, the event has raised over $100 million.
In 2013, the Premier awarded him a Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award for his work and in 2006, the Lieutenant Governor awarded him the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan. This month, City council in Saskatoon proclaimed Bob McGrath Day.
Thanks, Bob!
