Maritimers pledge record-breaking $6.4 million during 33rd annual IWK Telethon for Children

June 6, 2017

 
It was another record-breaking year for the annual IWK Telethon on CTV with Maritimers pledging an incredible $6,462,352.04 in support of the IWK. The show wrapped up for the 33rd time on Sunday evening after broadcasting live from the IWK Health Centre in Halifax and remote locations in Sydney, Saint John and Charlottetown this weekend.

“I’m simply overwhelmed that Maritimers have once again set a new record of support for the IWK,” said Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “What is clear to me after every Telethon is how much the Maritime community cares about the children and women in our region and share in our belief that they deserve the best possible health care right here at home. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of the donors and volunteers who made this weekend a success. And to our broadcast partner CTV – we could not do it without you.” 

The IWK Telethon is the IWK’s largest annual fundraiser and supports the most urgent priority needs of the IWK Health Centre. This year, donors to the Telethon purchased important pieces of equipment including new recliner chairs for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Families are an integral part of the care team in this unit and it is important that they are comfortable during the long and often stressful hours they spend at the bedside supporting their critically ill children. In 2016-17 there were 416 admissions to the PICU and those children and youth from across the Maritimes spent 1,378 days receiving care in the unit.

“Helping the IWK purchase new equipment during the Telethon has become a tradition for our viewers here at CTV and we are very grateful for their generous support again this year,” said Trent McGrath, Vice President and General Manager, CTV Atlantic and Bell Media Radio. “Our team is proud that we are helping make a difference in the lives of the thousands of children and families from across the Maritimes who need the expertise at the IWK.” 

Donations can still be made to the IWK Foundation by calling 1-800-595-2266 or visiting www.iwkfoundation.org.