The 59th annual Christmas Daddies Telethon raises over $600,000
The 59th annual Christmas Daddies telethon continued its Maritimes tradition Saturday.
Over the last two and a half years, the pandemic has changed how the Christmas Daddies Telethon runs. However, the annual fundraiser remains a symbol of holiday cheer and the spirit of giving.
This year, the telethon has so far raised more than $608,000.
The show featured various talents from across the region that performed throughout the seven-hour show.
“So many really big names from across the region really step it up. They donate their time and also donate what they can,” said CTV’s Katie Kelly.
Viewers also heard from American film actress, Morgan Fairchild who encouraged Maritimers to donate.
In Halifax, the Fleet Diving Unit (FDU) set up a donation centre in several different locations. While they were unable to run their annual 50K around Halifax, they continued the tradition in Sheet Harbour.
“There’s just over a hundred of us at FDU and we wanted a good way to give back and this is a perfect way,” said diver Bradley Northrup. “This is a perfect way for all the money we raise to stay in our communities.”
In P.E.I., the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce organized the largest Christmas Daddies day event on the Island. Donations were accepted at the door and included a space for children to have fun and meet Santa.
“There’s been a lot of interest and questions as we promoted this, so I think it’s really increased awareness in the city,” said Jessica Cormier, the events and marketing manager of Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce.
From volunteers on the phones to those in the control room behind the scenes, hundreds of volunteers keep the seven-hour broadcast going.
“So many people are calling in, and that itself is impressive, but then you see the incredible amount of work and people like me running around behind the scenes to make that work… it’s awesome,” said volunteer Gwen Watt.
Despite these difficult times, the kindness and generosity of Maritimers shines through.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.