Record-breaking $9.1 million raised during 42nd annual IWK Telethon

The 42nd annual IWK Telethon for Children took place on Sunday, May 31, 2026. (JW Campbell/CTV Atlantic)

It was another record-breaking year for the 42nd annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV.

At the end of the broadcast Sunday, the telethon raised more than $9.1 million – up from last year’s record-setting $8.3 million.

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

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.

The eight-hour broadcast was hosted by CTV Atlantic’s Todd Battis, Maria Panopalis and Steve Murphy and featured several other familiar faces.

“Absolutely fantastic day! Maritimers came through once again. They always seem to,” said Trent McGrath, CTV Atlantic’s general manager.

“We have veteran staff here today, we have new staff here today, alumni. It’s the one day of the year I think everyone comes together to celebrate for the IWK.”

The multi-day fundraising event kicked off Friday morning with the IWK Radiothon, which aired across five iHeartRadio stations in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

The events continued Saturday with the Telethon Tribute show hosted by actor Jonathan Torrens and CTV’s Katie Kelly. The two-hour musical special featured a number of local performers, including Neon Dreams, Ian Janes, Reeny, Joce Reyome and Wolf Castle.

The IWK Telethon ended Sunday at 6 p.m. with a grand total of $9,110,219.34 raised.

With files from CTV’s Andrea Jerrett