CTV Unveils 52nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON, Bringing Christmas to Maritime Families, December 5

HALIFAX (December 3, 2015) – This Saturday, Dec. 5, CTV Atlantic prepares to make the holidays brighter for families in need across the region with the 52^nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON, airing from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on CTV and online at FibreOP tv1 player, provided by Bell Aliant. CTV upholds the decades-old annual holiday tradition of uniting Maritimers in the spirit of giving by helping those less fortunate in their region. Viewers are encouraged to share their support by tuning in to enjoy a lively mix of CTV personalities, performances from an impressive roster of Maritime musicians across multiple cities, and by making generous monetary donations during the live broadcast. Throughout the 52^nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON, volunteers will be standing by to take donations from viewers across the region. In addition, financial donations can be made online at www.christmasdaddies.org, as well as at any Royal Bank of Canada branch across the Maritimes. One of the most anticipated annual charitable fundraising initiatives in the region, the 52^nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON is hosted by a roster of CTV personalities on hand to deliver the holiday spirit, fun, and excitement viewers have come to expect from the much loved “DADDIES” show. This year, CANADA AM’s Jeff Hutcheson joins local CTV anchors Steve Murphy, Maria Panopalis, and Jayson Baxter in Halifax, alongside Meteorologist Cindy Day, CTV MORNING LIVE Co-Host Heidi Petracek, and CTV NEWS AT FIVE’s “Section Six” Host Ana Almeida. Covering off the rest of the Maritimes, CTV MORNING LIVE’s Cyril Lunney is on the ground in Moncton, N.B., with retired CTV Atlantic reporter Rick Grant, returning to the fold to host the stage in Sydney, N.S., where each will deliver local segments within the telethon broadcast. “The Christmas Daddies Telethon is a tradition everyone here at CTV looks forward to,” said Trent McGrath, General Manager, CTV Atlantic, C100-FM, and, 101.3 The BOUNCE. “We are grateful to our viewers who make the telethon a success every year, and hope this year’s exciting edition will move them to donate and make a difference to our Maritime families.” “Bell Aliant is proud to continue its long history of supporting the CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON,” said Dan McKeen, Senior Vice President Small Business and Vice Chair, Bell Aliant. “Our employees and Bell Aliant Pioneers, a dynamic network of dedicated volunteers, are looking forward to answering thousands of calls from generous Maritimers and kicking off the holiday season. It’s a great cause and our team is proud to join forces with CTV and help families who need a little extra help during the holidays.” “The idea of putting a smile on a child’s face at Christmas time is what drives this Telethon,” said Roxanne Robinson, Executive Director for Christmas Daddies. The telethon boasts a robust lineup of beloved Maritime artists, set to deliver live musical performances at various locations. Throughout the duration of the program, viewers can tune in to watch East Coast Music Award winner and local musical sensation Charlie A’Court and singer/songwriter Makayla Lynn perform in front of a live studio audience at the NSCC Waterfront Campus (80 Mawiomi Place) in Dartmouth, N.S. Also taking the stage are Bell Media Radio personalities, with C100 morning hosts JC Douglas and Peter Harrison on hand as part of the program. In addition, the 52^nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON celebrates homegrown talent, featuring non-stop performances throughout the show by local school choirs and up-and-coming musicians. The public is welcome to stop by and enjoy these live performances, free of admission. In Sydney, N.S., iconic performers Heather Rankin, best known as a member of the multi-platinum selling musical group The Rankin Family, and popular Maritime musician Aaron Lewis will take the stage in performances that will appear in the 52^nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON broadcast. The Moncton, N.B. stage will host local musicians Cameron Molloy and Caroline Savoie, with a special performance by Joan Kennedy. A stage located in Charlottetown featuring up-and-coming PEI teen singer Julia Dunn rounds out the broadcast’s programmed performances. For more than 50 years, the ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON has raised much-needed funds for Maritime children in need during the holiday season. To date, the organization has raised more than $28 million, with funds channeled toward gifts, clothing, and food for less fortunate families and their children during the holiday season. CTV Atlantic’s partnership with The Salvation Army provides more than 17,000 Maritime children with toys and gifts at Christmas each year. All funds collected within a specific geographic area are later redistributed within the originating geographic area, allowing participants to donate to neighbours in need within their own cities and towns. CTV donates airtime, technical equipment, and resources for the event while employees, families, and friends volunteer to produce the program.