FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Halifax, N.S. (June 1, 2025) – This weekend, Maritimers made history. The power of community was on full display as donors across the region united to raise a record-breaking $8,331,185.16 during the 41st IWK Telethon for Children on CTV.
The four-day celebration began on Thursday with the IWK Radiothon on Bell Media stations in Halifax, N.S. and Fredericton, N.B., followed by a Live Tribute Show on CTV Atlantic. It concluded with today’s inspiring Telethon broadcast—all in support of the IWK, the region’s largest hospital and trauma centre for children and youth.
“Year after year, our Maritime community steps up to support their IWK, ensuring that children, youth and families across the region have access to world-class care right here at home. Today, they made history,” said Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “This community built the IWK, and for the past 41 years, their generosity and commitment have never wavered—even in these uncertain economic times. The IWK Telethon and Radiothon are powerful reminders of what is possible when we come together for our children and families.”
This year, donors helped the IWK purchase essential pieces of equipment, including IV syringe pumps for the Emergency Department. These pumps deliver small, precise doses of lifesaving medication to children like Fiona from Miramichi, New Brunswick.
Fiona’s story was one of many shared during the Telethon and Radiothon. Born prematurely with health complications, Fiona was airlifted to the IWK’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for urgent care. Now eight years old, she experiences seizures and developmental delays and has received care at the IWK Emergency Department numerous times throughout her life. Although her diagnosis remains unclear, the IWK has identified a variant in her HECW2 gene, which affects brain function and is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Thanks to the continued care of the IWK, Fiona is able to live a full life filled with love and strength.
The IWK Telethon is the IWK Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. Funds raised support the most urgent priorities at the IWK, such as equipment, education, research, and innovation, which directly impact patients like Fiona.
"Supporting IWK Health is a top priority for CTV Atlantic, in partnership with our Bell Media Radio properties in Halifax and Fredericton," said Trent McGrath, General Manager, CTV Atlantic. "The patient stories shared during Telethon and Radiothon are incredibly moving. Every patient and family at the IWK deserve the best care and equipment, which is why we continue this support year after year."
“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming generosity of our Maritime community. Now more than ever, the world needs more Canada, and Canada needs more of the Maritimes,” continued Gillivan. “This year’s record-breaking Telethon is truly remarkable, but it also highlights the urgent and growing need for us to stand firmly behind our IWK. Every day, more children are arriving at the IWK’s doors, and they need our support every step of the way.”
Donations to the IWK Foundation can be made by visiting www.iwkfoundation.org or calling 1-800-595-2266.
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About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women's and children's health and medicine and works in partnership with IWK Health to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritime Provinces and beyond. Our donors are passionately committed to making a difference for Maritime families, contributing over $25.2 million in support of the most urgent care priorities at the IWK last year. Funds raised also support the IWK's global leadership in research and knowledge sharing, which in turn improves lives worldwide.
Visit www.iwkfoundation.org for more information.
About CTV News
CTV News is Canada’s most-watched news organization both locally and nationally, and has a network of national, international, and local news operations. CTV News operations include CTV NEWS CHANNEL, BNN Bloomberg, CP24, and information programming, including CTV NATIONAL NEWS, POWER PLAY, and QUESTION PERIOD. Flagship news sites include CTVNews.ca, as well as CP24.com and BNNBloomberg.ca, and are complemented by the CTV News, CP24, and BNN Bloomberg apps, which provide a direct connection to Canada’s most trusted news anytime and anywhere. With a perspective that is distinctly Canadian, CTV News brings Canadians the international and domestic news stories of the day and is the #1 news organization in Canada.
Media Contact
Sarah Greening
IWK Foundation
P: 902.266.3306
E: sarah.greening@iwkfoundation.org