Maritimers to tune in to annual IWK Telethon as CTV marks 30 years of producing broadcast

CTV's Live at Five anchor Maria Panopalis and arts and entertainment reporter Katie Kelly at the IWK Telethon, June 1, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/ Mike Lamb)

Thousands of Maritimers are expected to tune in to the 42^nd annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV this weekend.

The telethon supports the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, which is the largest hospital for women and children in the Maritimes, though the IWK Foundation.

“The telethon is such a big part of this community, because people have been involved for over 30 years with CTV and 42 with the telethon,” said Liz Rigney, manager of community relations and promotions for CTV Atlantic.

“People continue to show up year after year with incredible donations to help the IWK, so I think they feel invested in making the IWK the best it can be.”

CTV is celebrating a telethon milestone this year as it marks 30 years of producing the broadcast.

“It has been an honour to contribute to such a meaningful and impactful broadcast for the past 30 years,” said Trent McGrath, vice-president and general manager of CTV Atlantic.

“Many staff who were part of the Telethon in its early years return to CTV annually – despite being retired – simply because of their deep connection to the show."

Among the retired CTV staff members who are back for the IWK Telethon is technical director Jody Jessome.

“I think everybody knows about the IWK. But when you see patient stories and you see this behind the scenes and people working, I think you get a little better feeling of what the hospital is all about,” Jessome told CTV Atlantic’s Brianne Foley.

“Like the patient stories, I can’t even watch them. They kill me. So, it’s so good.”

The multi-day event kicked off Friday morning with the IWK Radiothon, which airs across five iHeartRadio stations in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Listeners will hear inspiring stories from IWK patients and their families. Donations can be made over the phone or online through the radio stations’ websites.

The event continues Saturday with the Telethon Tribute show at 7 p.m. AT.

Hosted by actor Jonathan Torrens and CTV’s Katie Kelly, the two-hour musical special will feature local performers including Neon Dreams, Ian Janes, Reeny Smith, Joce Reyome and Wolf Castle.

The main event takes place Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. AT. Maritimers can watch the telethon on CTV, online, or through the live CTV channel on Crave.

CTV Atlantic’s Todd Battis, Maria Panopolis and Steve Murphy will lead the broadcast, which highlights patients and families who have received specialized care at the IWK, and donors who support the cause.

The telethon is the IWK’s largest annual fundraiser. Donations support the hospital’s most urgent needs, including up-to-date equipment, advanced technology, research, and improved facilities.

“There’s nothing like it,” said Jennifer Gillivan, president and CEO of the IWK Foundation.

“It absolutely supports the IWK, but it does something else. It shows the community just how amazing they are back to themselves. That’s why I think people love it. It’s the stories of the kids. It’s the stories of the amazing caregivers at the IWK and the magic they bring.”

A record-breaking $8.3 million was raised during last year’s event.

Donations can be made by phone at 1-800-595-2266 or online.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Brianne Foley