Annual IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN Celebrates 40 Years of Giving with Expanded Coverage on CTV Atlantic and iHeartRadio Canada, Beginning May 31

HALIFAX (May 28, 2024) – This week, Atlantic Canada celebrates a milestone 40 years of support for the region’s largest children’s hospital, as the annual IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN joins forces with the IWK RADIOTHON for the first time ever, launching the Weekend of Giving. The Weekend of Giving begins Friday, May 31, as 10 iHeartRadio Canada stations in numerous markets across the Maritimes broadcast live from the Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth, NS, from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. AT, sharing inspiring IWK patient stories throughout the day. Coverage is also available for listeners across Canada via audio live stream on iHeart.com and the iHeartRadio Canada app. The celebrations continue Saturday, June 1 with the two-hour musical special A TELETHON TRIBUTE TO 40 YEARS OF COMMUNITY GIVING, airing at 7 p.m. AT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app. The broadcast includes Maritime performers Neon Dreams, Joe H. Henry, O’ Sound, Morgan Toney, and Irish Mythen – along with a special appearance by the IWK’s very own band. On Sunday, June 2, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. AT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, CTV Atlantic brings Maritimers the traditional IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN broadcast, featuring stories of patients and families who have received specialized care at the IWK. The show also brings together donors from around the region, highlighting those who have generously given for the past 40 years. The IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN is the IWK’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting the organization’s most urgent priority needs, including up-to-date equipment, advanced technology, research, and improved facilities. “For 40 years, the IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN has brought Maritimers together to support generations of children, youth, and families who rely on the IWK,” said Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “As we reflect on our history and look to the future, we are proud to dedicate this special anniversary broadcast to our community of donors and supporters. Their unwavering commitment and generosity help to make IWK the exceptional place it is for patients and families across the region.” “In recognition of 40 years of giving to the IWK, we’ve made this annual celebration bigger than ever by combining the telethon and radiothon into one weekend-long event,” said Trent McGrath, General Manager, CTV Atlantic. “We take great pride in helping to produce this beloved annual Maritime tradition, and we are honoured to do our part to support the IWK.” Many familiar faces from CTV Atlantic appear on the 2024 IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN, including CTV NEWS AT SIX Chief Anchor Todd Battis; CTV NEWS AT FIVE host Maria Panopalis; entertainment reporter Katie Kelly; CTV NATIONAL NEWS Nova Scotia correspondent Paul Hollingsworth; Chief Meteorologist Kalin Mitchell, and CTV MORNING LIVE’s Amanda Debison, Ana Almeida, and Crystal Garrett. Longtime Telethon host and CTV Atlantic special correspondent Steve Murphy returns in a special role. This year’s Telethon broadcast also welcomes Halifax’s MOVE Radio morning show hosts Peter Harrison and Erin Hopkins, and 40-year Telethon veteran Bill Carr. Donations can be made by phone at 1-800-595-2266 or online at iwkfoundation.org.