Five-year-old girl raises hundreds for Christmas Daddies
Over the last month, five-year-old Naomi Hein has been determined to bring a smile to someone else’s face. After watching the annual Christmas Daddies telethon last year, Naomi broke open her piggy bank.
With the help of her mother, Tracy Hein, Naomi asked friends and family to match her donations.
“She spent a couple hours that afternoon making calls, and in a couple of hours, she raised $215. Last year, we decided that we would start early in November.
So far, she’s raised $815. For Naomi and her family, this is just the beginning.
“I think we are going to break $900 for sure,” said Tracy. “We’re going to have big shoes to fill next year.”
Making ends meet has been difficult for many families across the Maritimes. With inflation, pandemic recovery, and post Hurricane Fiona, Lt. Gina Haggett, Director of Public Relations for Salvation Army, said the season of giving is even more important this year.
“We have seen a 30 per cent increase in families with children that need help. Whether that is food or toys, that number is not getting any lower,” said Haggett.
Last year’s telethon provided children in the Maritimes with over 25,000 toys that were distributed through the Salvation Army.
“In this current environment, many families and children are struggling to have the basic needs and necessities of life that many of us already enjoy,” said Haggett.
On the set of Christmas Daddies, the holiday spirit is at an all-time high.
“Every year Christmas Daddies is special, and this one will be spectacular because we have a fantastic lineup of talent,” said Roxanne Robinson, Executive Director of Christmas Daddies.
The seven-hour show will include auction items, talent from across the Maritimes, and hundreds of volunteers.
“We are so excited to always have the Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic doing the Navy driver run. They are a tremendous support for our community and what they do for Christmas Daddies is great,” said Robinson.
Christmas Daddies will be airing from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on CTV2 and will stream live on the CTV News Atlantic website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian police chiefs speak out on death of Black man beaten by U.S. officers
Canadian police chiefs condemned on Friday the death of a Black man who was savagely beaten by police during a traffic stop in the United States, saying the officers involved must be held accountable.

How to get over the 'mental hurdle' of being active in the winter
When the cold and snow have people hunkering down, these outdoor enthusiasts find motivation in braving the Canadian winter through community and sport.
Memphis police disband unit that beat Tyre Nichols
The Memphis police chief on Saturday disbanded the unit whose officers beat to death Tyre Nichols as the nation and the city struggled to come to grips with video showing police pummelling the Black motorist.
B.C. toxic drug crisis: Fewer 911 calls as deaths continue
BC Emergency Health Services saw a slight decline in 911 calls for overdose and drug toxicity last year, but some areas saw a dramatic increase, and the death rate doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
Hearing testimonies from e-cigarette users may deter students from vaping: study
According to a new study, showing university students the health risks of vaping through experts and personal testimonies can help deter them from using e-cigarettes.
Health Canada sticks with Evusheld despite U.S. FDA dropping the COVID drug
Health Canada says it will continue to recommend COVID-19 prevention drug, Evulsheld, despite U.S. FDA pulling back its emergency use authorization due to concerns around its efficacy against Omicron subvariant 'Kraken.'
Germany won't be a 'party to the war' amid tanks exports to Ukraine: Ambassador
The German ambassador to Canada says Germany will not become 'a party to the conflict' in Ukraine, despite it and several other countries announcing they'll answer President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's pleas for tanks, possibly increasing the risk of Russian escalation.
W5 EXCLUSIVE | Interviewing a narco hitman: my journey into Mexico's cartel heartland
W5 goes deep into the narco heartland to interview a commander with one of Mexico's most brutal cartels. W5's documentary 'Narco Avocados' airs Saturday at 7 pm on CTV.
OPINION | Selling a home? How to know if you qualify for a capital gains exemption
When selling a home, Canadians may be exempted from paying capital gains tax on a residential property -- if it's their principal residence. On CTVNews.ca, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew explains what's determined as a principal residence, and what properties are eligible for the exemption.