Variety - The Children's Charity's annual Show of Hearts Telethon raised $6,753,012 last weekend.
The telethon aired Feb. 11 and 12 for 23 straight hours on Global BC.
All funds raised will stay in British Columbia to help children in the province who have special needs as well as hospitals and organizations that support children. Variety is often a last resort for families who have nowhere else to turn.
"We greatly appreciate how generous our donors were this year. We want our supporters to know that the money raised this weekend will go a long way to help children and organizations across the province," said Dave McConachie, president of Variety. "We also thank our partner of 46 years, Global BC, whose support and hard work allows us to have such a successful telethon ever year."
With more than 2,700 volunteers and an accumulative audience of more than 1.5 million, the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon is one of the biggest fundraisers in
Canada. The show was hosted once again by the Global BC news team, including
Chris Gailus, Jill Krop, Deborra Hope, Sophie Lui, Steven Darling and Wayne
Cox as well as perennial favourite Bob McGrath of Sesame Street.
During the 23 hours, viewers watched some truly amazing stories of courageous children who have been helped by Variety over the last year. Children like Susan, a 14-year-old ballerina from Burnaby. Susan was badly injured in an
ATV accident last summer and suffered numerous broken bones as well as severe burns to her body. Variety provided Susan with funding for physiotherapy and for special garments she must wear 23 hours a day for the next two years to help her burns heal. Susan received an amazing surprise during her appearance on the Telethon when ballet dancers from Ballet BC appeared on stage. Susan hopes to one day be able to dance again.
Since 1965, Variety - The Children's Charity has raised more than $155 million for children who have special needs. Variety provides funding for various therapies, specialized equipment, drug prescriptions, and out-of-town accommodation and travel costs related to a medical emergency. Variety also provides grants to children's organizations and hospitals for construction, renovations, equipment, and program costs.
Donations will continue to be accepted on-line at www.variety.bc.ca.
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