The 61st Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon raises more than $559,000 for children in need

The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its proud Maritime tradition, raising more than $559,000 for children in need on Saturday.

The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its proud Maritime tradition, raising money for children in need on Saturday.

With the help of many generous donors, the telethon raised more than $559,000 by the end of the broadcast at 6 p.m. Saturday, with a promise of more to come before donations close on Monday.

Roxanne Robinson is the executive director of Christmas Daddies. She said the telethon is a beloved tradition at CTV.

“Having these donations coming in like they are today, it means so much to all of us,” Robinson said.

The broadcast was kicked off by CTV’s Steve Murphy and Paul Hollingsworth in Halifax at 11 a.m. They were joined by co-hosts in Fredericton, Charlottetown and Cape Breton with appearances from CTV Atlantic staff supporting them throughout the day from locations around the Maritimes. Cape Breton was celebrating its own Christmas Daddies anniversary. Saturday marked its 50th year participating in the fundraiser.

Audiences tuned in to watch featured entertainment from talented performers throughout the show while volunteers took donations. Phones were quiet when the telethon opened, but it didn’t last. By 3 p.m., just a little less than halfway through the show, the grand total already exceeded $229,000.

Robinson said it was an honour to be loved and supported by the donors, volunteers and performers. She said the production is a huge volunteer effort that welcomes newcomers every year and serves as a reunion for those who’ve been making Christmas Daddies happen for years or even decades.