The 30th annual IWK Telethon for Children raised more than $6.1 million by the time it wrapped Sunday evening.

As they do every year, Maritimers gave generously to support the fundraiser. The money raised will go towards equipment, research and urgent needs at the IWK.

CTV’s Steve Murphy hosted the event.

“I am always surprised and inspired by how Maritimers love this place and how Maritimers always rise to the challenge,” says Murphy.

The 24-hour telethon was jam-packed with performances by people like eight-year-old Joshua Cochrane, who has benefitted directly from the services at the IWK.

“They saved my life because I have Kawasaki disease,” said the boy after performing a powerful rendition of Hallelujah.

Organizers say the telethon would not have been possible without the work of thousands of volunteers from across the Maritimes.

“The success of the 30th anniversary would not be possible without the IWK Foundation’s broadcast partner, CTV, who works year-round in preparation for this event, as well as our caring donors and hundreds of amazing volunteers in Halifax, Sydney, Saint John and Charlottetown,” says Jennifer Gillivan, president and CEO of the IWK Foundation.

Social media played a large role in this year’s telethon, reaching over 12 million people around the world. Funds were also raised by those who uploaded a photo of their personal connection to the IWK using the hashtag #MyIWK on Twitter and Instagram. Tweets came in from across Canada and even as far away as Brazil and Australia.

The inaugural IWK Telethon, in 1985, raised $649,000. This year’s total set a new record for the number of dollars raised at the event.

Donations can still be made by calling 1-800-595-2266 or online through the IWK Foundation website.