HALIFAX — CTV Atlantic’s 58th annual Christmas Daddies Telethon in support of families in need will air this Saturday, Dec. 4, starting at 11 a.m. AT on CTV, CTVAtlantic.ca and the CTV News app, Bell Media announced today.
“Created by Maritimers for Maritimers, the Christmas Daddies Telethon celebrates 58 years of showcasing local performers while providing those in need with food, toys, and gifts during the holiday season,” reads a press release.
CTV Atlantic is once again collaborating with the Salvation Army for the seven-hour telethon, during which Bell Aliant employees will volunteer their time to accept donations over the phone. CTV also donates airtime, technical equipment and resources for the event.
Since it began in 1964, the Christmas Daddies Telethon has raised more than $34 million for Maritime families during the holiday season, according to the press release.
“We are honoured to be able to bring Maritimers together with this longstanding and beloved holiday tradition,” said Trent McGrath, general manager of CTV Atlantic, in the press release. “Not only does this annual telethon lift spirits, it also shines a spotlight on the generous nature of the people who call our region home.”
“Bell Aliant is proud to continue supporting the Christmas Daddies Telethon,” said Glen LeBlanc, Bell’s chief financial officer and vice-chair for the Atlantic region. “Bell employees and retirees throughout the Maritimes look forward to joining this special event each year to help brighten the holiday season for families in our communities.”
In Halifax, the telethon will be hosted by members of the CTV Atlantic team, including renowned CTV Atlantic anchor Steve Murphy (above, left) and CTV News at Five anchors Maria Panopalis, Jayson Baxter and Katie Kelly. CTV Morning Live’s Amanda Debison will provide reports on the progress of the Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic’s fundraising efforts.
CTV reporters Laura Brown and Eilish Bonang will host in New Brunswick alongside musician Ivan Daigle. In Cape Breton, the event will include the participation of CTV alumnus Rick Grant, musician Jenn Sheppard and local comedian Bette MacDonald. Comedian Jimmy the Janitor will host in Charlottetown.
The special will feature performers from all three Maritime provinces, including Reeny Smith, Charlie A’Court, Jenn Grant and Myles Goodwyn in mainland Nova Scotia, Anica, Ivan and Vivian Hicks, Tristan Horncastle and David Myles in New Brunswick, Lennie Gallant, Catherine MacLellan, Rachel Beck, Richard Wood, and Ava and Lily Rashed in P.E.I., as well as Carleton Stone, Natalie MacMaster, Heather Rankin and Matt Minglewood in Cape Breton.
Two additional performances will feature Aaron Goodvin and local Nova Scotia resident Makayla, who are both currently living in Nashville.
For more information including ways to donate, please click here.
Photo supplied by Bell Media.
