CTV Atlantic’s Holiday Tradition Continues as the 61st ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON Airs December 7

HALIFAX (December 2, 2024) – CTV Atlantic gets in the holiday spirit and prepares to help families in need across the Maritimes on Saturday, Dec. 7 with the 61^st ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON. A beloved yearly tradition, the broadcast begins at 11 a.m. AT on CTV Atlantic, CTVAtlantic.ca, and the CTV app. The 61^st ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON partners with The Salvation Army once again to distribute food, toys, and gifts throughout the holiday season, while delivering a day-long marathon of performances by local musical artists, comedians, and more. Beginning Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. AT, viewers can donate by calling 1-844-400-1964 or by visiting ChristmasDaddies.org. Throughout the month of December, pledges are also being accepted at RBC locations across the Maritimes and Credit Unions in Cape Breton. The Telethon’s 50/50 raffle returns with three separate draws taking place for viewers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Last year, the winner from Nova Scotia took home $140,327 in cash. “For more than six decades, CTV Atlantic staff and their communities have continued to show up for those in need through this grassroots initiative,” said Trent McGrath, General Manager, Bell Media Atlantic. “All of us at the network are proud to contribute each year, helping to keep the Telethon going strong, and secure valuable assistance for families across the Maritimes.” “The CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON is a time-honoured tradition that represents the very best of our Maritime community,” said Glen LeBlanc, Vice-Chair Atlantic, Bell. “Bell Aliant is proud to do our small part to make this tradition possible every year, and we send our sincere thanks to the volunteers and donors whose generosity makes the Telethon a resounding success.” One of the most anticipated annual charitable fundraising initiatives in the region, the 61^st ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON includes familiar faces from the CTV Atlantic team, as well as a multitude of special guests. Co-hosting this year in Halifax are Steve Murphy and Todd Battis, joined by CTV NEWS AT FIVE anchor Maria Panopalis alongside reporters Katie Kelly, Paul Hollingsworth, Kalin Mitchell, Brianne Foley, Emma Convey, Hafsa Arif, and Jesse Thomas. Additionally, CTV News Atlantic reporters Laura Brown, Avery MacRae, and Alana Pickrell deliver updates from Glad Tidings Church in Moncton alongside musician Ivan Daigle; local comedian Bette MacDonald hosts from the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, Cape Breton; and comedian Jimmy the Janitor hosts from the Carrefour School Theatre in Charlottetown. The seven-hour special features holiday songs from a variety of performers across all three Maritime provinces:

• Nova Scotia – Joe H Henry, Andre Pettipas, and CTV’s own Suzette Belliveau
• Cape Breton – Matt Minglewood, Heather Rankin, and Morgan Toney with Keith Mullins
• New Brunswick – Shirley Myers, Hubert Francis, and Flo Durelle
• P.E.I. – Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, Alicia Toner, and Dylan Menzie

The 61^st ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON also includes special tributes honouring four notable, long-time supporters the Maritime community lost this year: Canadian rock legend Myles Goodwyn; former BREAKFAST TELEVISION host Scott Boyd; and long-time volunteers Jack Richardson and Jim Hill Jr. Hill was the son of one of the original Christmas “Daddies” – Jim Hill Sr. – and both father and son were behind the scenes for many Telethon broadcasts over the years. Since it began in 1964, the CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON has raised more than $39 million dollars for Maritime families. CTV Atlantic’s partnership with The Salvation Army provides more than 18,000 Maritime children and parents with toys and gifts during the holidays 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.