CTV Atlantic Delivers the 57th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON, This Saturday, December 5

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

HALIFAX (December 1, 2020) – With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting communities across the Maritimes, CTV Atlantic prepares to make the holidays brighter for families in need across the region by delivering the 57^th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON on Saturday, Dec. 5 beginning at 11 a.m. AT on CTV. The beloved annual holiday event is also available for live streaming throughout the day on CTVAtlantic.ca. CTV Atlantic’s longest-standing tradition celebrates its 57^th year of uniting Maritimers in the spirit of giving with those in need in their communities. With the anticipated demand for support this holiday season greater than ever before, the CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON has partnered once again with The Salvation Army for registration and the distribution of toys and gifts. Since it began in 1964, the CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON has raised more than $33.5 million in gifts and food for Maritime families during the holiday season. “We’ve heard from many of our charitable partners that the need for generosity is very significant this year,” said Trent McGrath, Vice-President and General Manager, CTV Atlantic. “The COVID-19 pandemic has meant finding new and safe ways to connect people in need and those who can help – and that’s exactly what the team at CTV Atlantic are committed to doing this year.” Throughout the broadcast, Bell Aliant employees will be standing by to accept donations over the phone. Viewers can call 1-844-400-1964, with phone lines opening at 11 a.m. AT. In addition, financial donations can be made online at ChristmasDaddies.org. Telethon organizers are encouraging donors to honour their pledges by mailing a cheque, sending payments via e-transfers or Pay Pal. In Cape Breton, pledges can also be honoured at Credit Unions in the month of December. “Bell Aliant is proud to continue our long-standing support for families during the holiday season,” said Glen LeBlanc, Bell’s Vice Chair, Atlantic. “Our employees and retirees are especially looking forward to this year’s CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON to help the many families dealing with additional challenges related to COVID-19.” One of the most anticipated annual charitable fundraising initiatives in the region, the 57^h ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON is led by the CTV Atlantic anchor team, special guest hosts, and reporters – all who look forward to fostering the holiday spirit, fun, and excitement viewers expect from this popular special. Hosting this year in Halifax are CTV Atlantic anchors Steve Murphy, Maria Panopalis, Jayson Baxter, and Katie Kelly alongside Amanda Debison, who provides reports on the progress of the fundraising efforts of the Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic. They are joined by CTV Fredericton reporter Laura Brown and New Brunswick musician Ivan Daigle, who co-host from Moncton, N.B. with a special appearance by CTV News Special Correspondent Lloyd Robertson. In Cape Breton, hosting duties are shared by CTV Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa LaFlamme, CTV alumnus Jeff Hutcheson, and local comedian Bette MacDonald. Hosting in Charlottetown is celebrated comedian Jimmy the Janitor. The unique seven-hour special features a multitude of performances from an impressive roster of Maritime musicians across all three provinces. The telethon boasts a robust lineup of beloved artists who are set to deliver musical performances from various locations, including Brett Kissel, George Canyon, Gary Beals, and Makayla Lynn. In Mainland Nova Scotia, expect to hear favourite Christmas selections from Joel Plaskett, Reeny Smith, Charlie A’Court, Jenn Grant, Neon Dreams, and a number of surprise guests. New Brunswick’s talented lineup of performers includes Matt Andersen, Chris Colepaugh, Mike Biggar, Katey Day, Josiane Comeau, and David Myles. Meanwhile in PEI, great performances are in store from Lennie Gallant, Catherine MacLellan, Rachel Beck, Vishten, Brooke MacArthur, and Gabi and Annie Kitson. Cape Breton takes a trip down memory lane with performances by Matt Minglewood, The Barra MacNeils, Gordie Sampson, The Rankin Family, the late Rita MacNeil, and the late John Allan Cameron, with a special appearance from Alan Arkin and some very close friends! 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.