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CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Maritimers step up in generosity again for IWK Telethon
Watch the 41st annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV and support Maritime children and families in need. Every year, Maritimers rally behind a cause that is close to home and touches countless lives – and that's supporting the IWK Health Centre through the IWK Telethon for Children. The telethon – broadcast live on CTV Atlantic – brings in millions each year for the IWK, which is an internationally renowned children's and women's hospital. But the hospital itself does need help, said IWK Foundation President and CEO Jennifer Gillivan, because government funding only goes so far. 'It's an old building and it needs upgrades,' said Gillivan. 'We need new technology. It keeps changing. So, we need better equipment, all the time. We have new programs and research, and it drives new ways to treat kids and patients.' Now in its 41st year, the IWK Telethon has become a powerful showing of the generosity of community, which is always there to support the cause. IWK Telethon Volunteers operate the call-in donation lines at the 41st annual IWK Telethon on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Jesse Thomas/CTV Atlantic) Last year, it raised a record $7.5 million for its 40th anniversary. Even when times are tough financially for people, Gillivan said Maritimers step up in generosity. 'There's something right about a community when they know to put kids and women first,' said Gillivan. 'To actually support them in this way, there's just something right about that.' It's no small task to pull off the telethon and TV broadcast, but it's a labour of love for the roughly 400 volunteers and those working in front of the cameras, telling the stories, and those behind the cameras helping to deliver the show. IWK Telethon Former CTV Atlantic chief anchor Steve Murphy and former CTV News at Five host Jayson Baxter share a laugh during the 41st IWK Telethon on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Jesse Thomas/CTV Atlantic) 'I don't think people realize how much work has gone into building the set, writing the scripts and finding those patient stories,' said CTV's Liz Rigney, who is also the lead producer of the IWK Telethon. 'There is a big team, and everyone is so happy and so proud at the end of this production.' The IWK Telethon is about raising money for the hospital but at the heart of it, it's about highlighting the patient stories and the real lives and families who have been touched by the incredible work and staff who make a difference at the IWK. 'I can't believe the level of skill, the knowledge, and the genius of the people who work at the IWK,' said Rigney. 'I don't think people understand, it's a world class facility and we're so happy to support it with the telethon.' The IWK Telethon runs until 6 p.m. Sunday. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
How to watch the 41st IWK Telethon
Watch the 41st annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV and support Maritime children and families in need. Service is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later. [5005/500] It's a weekend of giving in the Maritimes. The IWK Foundation returns with its children's telethon Sunday to support the most urgent priority needs at the IWK Health Centre, which is the region's largest children's hospital. 'This is an amazing weekend. It's a year's worth of work to get to this weekend, but we're all ready and I hope our community, as always, will tune in. I think they're in for a real treat this year,' said IWK Foundation President and CEO Jennifer Gillivan in an interview on CTV Morning Live. The fun begins Saturday night with a Telethon Tribute from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The show is hosted by CTV's Katie Kelly alongside actor, TV personality and Maritimer Jonathan Torrens. The broadcasts features several Maritime performers, including Heather Rankin, JRDN, DeeDee Austin, Cassie and Maggie, Irish Mythen, as well as Rankin MacInnis and the Broken Reeds. 'This is a heartfelt, amazing show with some fantastic talent and surprises that I'm not going to tell people about. You're going to have to tune in to find out,' said Gillivan. The 41st IWK Telethon for Children then airs Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many familiar faces will host the eight-hour broadcast, including CTV Atlantic Chief Anchor Todd Battis and CTV News at Five Host Maria Panopalis. The telethon is the IWK Foundation's largest fundraiser of the year. It will feature stories from patients and families who have received care at the health centre, as well as donors from around the region. 'People are extremely generous, they care deeply about their children, and about the health of their families, and they show it,' she said. Both the Telethon Tribute and IWK Telethon for Children will be broadcast on CTV Atlantic, the CTV Atlantic website and the CTV app. People can donate all weekend by visiting or calling 1-800-595-2266. Last year, the telethon raised more than $7.5 million. 'Every donation counts, and we know times can be tough and we understand that, and we really appreciate that if you can donate, please do, because we really need it,' said Gillivan.
