After nearly four decades of being a fixture on Telemiracle, Bob McGrath has announced this year’s telethon will be his last.
McGrath made the announcement live on Telemiracle 39 in Saskatoon on Sunday afternoon. This year's telethon raised a total of more than $4.3 million.
"I'd like to say thank you for all those incredible 37 years," McGrath said. "I will be with you in spirit every year."
McGrath, who is 82, said after being on the road all the time in show business, he now wants to spend more time travelling with his wife, Ann.
Over the past 38 years, the annual 20-hour telethon has raised more than $105 million for the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation, which helps families of children with disabilities and people with special needs in Saskatchewan.
McGrath has been part of the Telemiracle cast since the first show aired in 1977, missing only one telethon because of a scheduling conflict. He is also known for his role as Bob Johnson on Sesame Street.
Saskatoon city council proclaimed March 8 Bob McGrath Day to recognize his continued commitment to Telemiracle and Saskatchewan.
In 2013, McGrath was given a Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award for his work and in 2006, he received the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan.
