$7,582,999.32 raised during 40th IWK Telethon for Children on CTV dedicated to 40 years of community giving
For the first time in its history, the 40th IWK Telethon for Children on CTV has raised $7,582,999.32 in support of world-class care at the IWK—the largest children’s hospital in the region. Today’s broadcast concluded an inspirational weekend of giving to celebrate the milestone Telethon and 40 years of community giving.
“For 40 years, Maritimers have supported their IWK through the annual IWK Telethon for Children, ensuring children, youth and families receive the highest standard of care. The IWK is a special place because of this generosity and the dedication of our donors, supporters, and care providers,” says Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “We are grateful for every person who helped to make the 40th IWK Telethon and the weekend of giving a monumental success, including our long-time partners CTV Atlantic and Bell Media.”
The IWK Telethon is the IWK Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser and supports the most urgent priorities at the IWK, such as equipment, education, research and innovation. This year, Telethon donors helped to purchase essential pieces of equipment for comfort and critical care including sleeper chairs for the IWK’s Birth Unit and a microscope for eye examinations in the IWK Emergency Department.
The 40th-anniversary broadcast and weekend of giving featured many moments of reflection, gratitude, and celebration—from donor recognition to “where are they now” updates and new, inspiring stories from IWK patients and families across the region. Ruby Clory of Prince Edward Island was one patient who bravely shared her IWK journey.
At 15 years old, Ruby, a competitive dancer, began experiencing deliberating pain and suddenly could no longer walk. She was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)— a rare and serious condition that affects the nerves and causes muscle weakness—and was transported by ambulance to the IWK. Ruby spent an entire month in donor-funded units at the IWK receiving life-saving treatment. While there is no cure for GBS, because of the care she received at the IWK, Ruby is on the path to recovery. She has since returned to school and is back on the dance floor doing what she loves.
"Maritimers have proven, once again their unwavering and extreme generosity that directly impacts care for women and children in our region. Sharing stories, like Ruby’s, brought donors into the homes of IWK patients, showing them the realities families have to face and drives home the importance of every dollar raised over Telethon weekend,” says Trent McGrath, General Manager, CTV Atlantic. “Behind the scenes of Telethon weekend, I’m very proud of the work of our CTV Atlantic team and the work to celebrate the donors, the hospital staff, along with the many heartfelt stories of the patients that receive care.”
“Our community helped to build the IWK and, 40 years later, that same community continues to stand by our side. With their unwavering support, we are shaping the future of the IWK and children’s health in the Maritimes and beyond. Together, we are making an impact for generations of children, youth and families,” says Gillivan.
From May 31 to June 2, the IWK Foundation hosted a weekend of giving to celebrate 40 years of Maritime generosity in support of the IWK. This included the IWK Radiothon on 10 Bell Media radio stations, the IWK Telethon Live Tribute Show on CTV, and the 40th IWK Telethon for Children on CTV. Donations to the IWK Foundation and the weekend of giving can still be made by visiting www.iwkfoundation.org or calling 1-800-595-2266.
