Maritimers display generosity in 2021 Christmas Daddies Telethon
The 2021 Christmas Daddies Telethon was another chapter in a tradition that features 58 years of generosity and four decades of Steve Murphy serving as the mainstay host.
Founded in 1964, the telethon is a fundraiser to support local families and their children during the holidays. In 58 years, Christmas Daddies has raised more than $34 million dollars.
"The best thing about it is, we are actually doing what Christmas is about. Giving back," said host Maria Panopalis. "It is a spirit of giving and it makes you feel warm and fuzzy to do something special."
Seen by many as the official kick off to the Christmas season, the telethon is also a showcase of regional music talent and volunteer spirit from all three Maritime Provinces.
During the pandemic, many charities have absorbed crushing blows to their fundraising bottom line. It should be noted for the second straight year Christmas Daddies was able to achieve a staggering level of success, at 6 p.m. Saturday the total amount raised was $685,781.85 and counting.
"Maritimers love to step up and help each other out and COVID-19 is not stopping us,” said Christmas Daddies Telethon Executive Director Roxanne Robinson.
Gina Haggett from the Salvation Army said the Salvation Army, CTV and the Christmas Daddies Telethon have formed a perfect partnership.
"The Christmas Daddies Telethon brings hope," said Haggett. "We just love this time of year. To see the smiles when a child opens a Christmas gift and has it in their hands, it is truly amazing."
It was an amazing and touching display of generosity, bringing Christmas joy to many families across this region.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday
Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.