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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.