DOING THE RIGHT THING

The latest in our series on Roots people helping others

Next weekend, while Toronto will be abuzz with countless movie screenings, show biz parties and other special events connected to the 31st Toronto International Film Festival, several thousand people will be involved in something different: The Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

Among those taking to the streets will be Deeva Green, daughter of Roots Co-Founder Don Green. Starting on Friday evening (Sept. 8), participants will walk 60 kilometers across the city before the event ends on Sunday. Net proceeds will support breast cancer research, treatment, and related services.

“One of the main reasons I decided to do the walk this year is because the mother of a close friend of mine passed away this spring from breast cancer, leaving her three children and husband,” says Deeva, 17. “It really hit home why we must do everything possible to find a cure for this disease that affects so many women.”

Deeva, who also lost her grandmother to breast cancer, agreed to raise at least $2,000 but she has set her personal goal at $3,000. To that end, she has sent out letters and email to scores of people soliciting donations for the cause. So far, she’s been quite touched by the support she’s received and is continuing her fundraising efforts up until she begins the walk.

“I think this walk is a fantastic way to bring together both women and men from across the province in a challenge that will be both physically and mentally rewarding,” says Deeva, who has been doing a lot of walking and hiking during the summer to train for the walk.
According to the National Cancer Institute of Canada, approximately 20,500 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and about 5,500 will die from the disease.

• Those wishing to make a donation to Deeva’s efforts should go to her personal fundraising page at: