THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ORN 12 ONTARIO ROOFING NEWS – ISSUE 1 2026 OIRCA’s Daily Bread Food Bank Fundraiser Building community in Ralph Jamieson’s memory By Matthew Bradford Fundraiser O IRCA recently hosted a charitable fundraiser in memory of a cherished member. From Jan. 9 to 30, 2026, its Daily Bread Food Bank Fundraiser raised funds for one of Toronto’s largest food banks while commemorating the legacy of Ralph Jamieson, a veteran industry leader and supporter who passed away in December. “Although we have our own charitable foundation, Rooftop Rescue, from time to time we look to support other worthwhile causes, especially when we wish to recognize an individual who has contributed in such a major way to our industry,” says Don Marks, OIRCA execu- tive director. The online fundraiser sought to raise $10,000 to help address food insecurity in the region, with all donations matched by a generous anonymous donor. Although the initiative was fo- cused on Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank, OIRCA launched the fundraiser with the hope that members across the province would lend their support. Once wrapped, the fundraiser had raised over $13,000. In a note of thanks to the association, Ralph’s son, Marc Jamieson, told OIRCA, “On behalf of our entire family, I want to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to you, the OIRCA staff, and the members for this incredible fundraising campaign in my father’s name. We were stunned to learn that, in a single month, you raised over $13,000 – well beyond the already audacious goal of $10,000.” An Impactful Event for an Impactful Leader OIRCA’s Daily Bread Food Bank Fundraiser is a fitting tribute to an industry leader who made a lasting mark on the roofing community. Alongside his father, Les Jamieson, Ralph was instrumental in building OIRCA active member Bothwell-Accurate Co. Ltd. into one of the most respected and prominent roofing contractors in the country. “[Ralph] was incredibly dedicated to the roofing industry,” Marc says. “He often spoke of his colleagues with great respect and took immense pride in the ‘raw determination’ it took to build a career in construction.” “He was especially passionate about grounding his leadership in honesty, fairness and safety,” he continues. “While [Ralph] was known for his dry wit and sharp mind, we will remember him most for the integrity he brought to everything he did.” OIRCA was fortunate to benefit from Ralph’s expertise and leadership. A long-time support- er of the association and its members, he served on the Board of Directors for several years and lent his time and industry insight to multiple committees. “My father deeply valued the camaraderie of the Ontario roofing community, but he especially valued his long-standing relationship with the association and his friendship with you,” Marc shares. “He took great pride in being part of the OIRCA, and knowing that his peers and friends came together so generously to support the Daily Bread Food Bank is a comfort we will always cherish.” And the feeling is mutual. OIRCA thanks Ralph for his friendship and lasting contributions to both the association and Ontario’s roofing community. Reflecting on his time with OIRCA in a recent members’ bulletin, the association noted, “When [Ralph] spoke, people listened. A true gentleman, he was well-respected among his peers and across the construction industry. The roofing industry is in his debt.” Daily Bread Food Bank Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank was created in 1983 to address the region’s poverty needs and advocate for long-term solutions. It operates more than 200 programs from its hub in Etobicoke, supported by a team of over 100 staff and 10,000 volunteers. “Through research and advocacy,” the organization states, “we strive for everyone’s right to food, collaborating with stakeholders across the sector to drive meaningful policy change.” Learn more at dailybread.ca.
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