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
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
BREAKING London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.