The COVID-19 pandemic laid waste to a lot of plans in 2020.
Sadly, one very important event that had to be cancelled last year was the IWK Telethon for Children.
That annual fundraiser has been a key factor in maintaining he IWK Health Centre’s ability to consistently offer excellent, state-of-the-art care to women, children, youth and families for decades.
The last time the IWK Telethon was held — for the 35th time, back in June, 2019 — generous Maritimers donated almost $7 million, a new record, to support the Halifax-based hospital, which provides services to people from around the region. Those funds were earmarked to buy critical pieces of equipment, such as new smart beds for the inpatient unit.
There’s good news in 2021.
We warmly welcome Tuesday’s announcement by Jennifer Gillivan, president & CEO of the IWK Foundation, that the IWK Telethon will be returning this June with the help of their partners at CTV.
Due to expected ongoing restrictions related to the pandemic, the telethon’s format will have to change somewhat, from live remote shows in different Maritime cities to virtual performances online.
But the IWK Telethon’s always worthy goal, to raise funds to help the hospital with equipment, education, research and innovation, remains the same.
We hope the IWK Telethon, now in its 37th year, will be more successful than ever in 2021.
