CTV Atlantic Delivers a Holiday Tradition with the 58th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON, December 4

Tags: @DaddiesTelethon, @CTVAtlantic, @CTVNews, and @CTV_PR

HALIFAX (November 30, 2021) – With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to affect communities across the Maritimes, CTV Atlantic prepares to make the holidays brighter for families in need through the 58^th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON on Saturday, Dec. 4. The annual holiday tradition begins at 11 a.m. AT on CTV, and is available for live streaming throughout the day on CTVAtlantic.ca and the CTV News app. 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. With an anticipated increase in demand for support, the CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON has once again collaborated with The Salvation Army to distribute much-needed holiday cheer. Since it began in 1964, the CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON has raised more than $34 million dollars for Maritime families during the holiday season. “We are honoured to be able to bring Maritimers together with this longstanding and beloved holiday tradition,” said Trent McGrath, General Manager, CTV Atlantic. “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.” Throughout the broadcast, Bell Aliant employees volunteer their time to accept donations over the phone. Viewers can call 1-844-400-1964, with phone lines opening at 11 a.m. AT. Donations can also be made online at ChristmasDaddies.org. Telethon organizers encourage donors to honour their pledges via e-transfer, PayPal, or by mailing a cheque to the address listed on the official Christmas Daddies website. In Cape Breton, pledges can also be honoured at Credit Unions during the month of December. “Bell Aliant is proud to continue supporting the CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON,” said Glen LeBlanc, Bell’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice Chair, Atlantic. “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.” Telethon organizers were amazed at the success of last year’s online 50/50 raffle, with the Nova Scotia winner taking home over $100,000 in cash. The raffle returns for viewers in N.S. and P.E.I. this year, and for the very first time New Brunswickers can participate and purchase 50/50 raffle tickets in the province. One of the most anticipated annual charitable fundraising initiatives in the region, the 58^th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON is hosted by familiar faces from the CTV Atlantic team along with special guest hosts – all of whom look forward to fostering the holiday spirit, fun, and excitement viewers expect from this popular special. Hosting this year in Halifax and celebrating his 40^th year of participating in the telethon is renowned CTV Atlantic anchor Steve Murphy. He is joined by CTV NEWS AT FIVE anchors Maria Panopalis, Jayson Baxter, and Katie Kelly. CTV MORNING LIVE’s Amanda Debison provides reports on the progress of the Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic’s fundraising efforts. CTV reporters Laura Brown and Eilish Bonang host in New Brunswick alongside musician Ivan Daigle. In Cape Breton, watch for CTV alumnus Rick Grant, musician Jenn Sheppard and local comedian Bette MacDonald. Hosting in Charlottetown is comedian Jimmy the Janitor. The seven-hour special features a multitude of performers from all three Maritime provinces. In Mainland Nova Scotia, viewers can expect to hear favourite Christmas selections from Reeny Smith, Charlie A’Court, Jenn Grant, Myles Goodwyn, and a number of surprise guests. New Brunswick’s talented lineup of performers includes Anica, Ivan & Vivian Hicks, Tristan Horncastle, and David Myles. P.E.I. performers include Lennie Gallant, Catherine MacLellan, Rachel Beck, Richard Wood, and Ava & Lily Rashed. For segments from Cape Breton, organizers have rounded up a stellar lineup including Carleton Stone, Natalie MacMaster, Heather Rankin, and Matt Minglewood. There are two additional performances from Aaron Goodvin and local Nova Scotia resident Makayla. Both performers are currently living in Nashville, Tenn. CTV Atlantic’s partnership with The Salvation Army provides more than 14,000 Maritime children and parents with toys and gifts at Christmas each year. All financial donations are redistributed within their originating geographic area, allowing viewers to donate within their own communities. CTV donates airtime, technical equipment, and resources for the event, while employees, families, and friends volunteer their time to continue the program’s success.