Variety’s ‘Show of Hearts Telethon’ Raises Over $5.5 Million
byVariety – the Children’s Charity and Global BC are thrilled to announce that this year’s Variety Show of Hearts Telethon raised more than $5.5 million to benefit children with special needs and their families.
Broadcast from the Molson Canadian Theatre at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, the iconic fundraising event aired live on Global BC and via livestream at Globalnews.ca on Sunday, February 10 from 9:30 am to 5:30pm. The show featured an array of heart-warming stories, magic moments and the surprise unveiling of the 603rd Sunshine Coach to Take a Hike Foundation, a full-time alternate high school program that uses outdoors and adventure to engage vulnerable youth in school, community and mental health supports. Cally Wesson, Variety BC CEO presented the brand new coach to Deb Abma-Sluggett, Director, Development, Take a Hike Foundation.
“Everyone at Variety is overwhelmed by the heart-warming generosity of the cities and communities across BC,” said Wesson. “We have surpassed last year’s total and will be able to help even more kids and their families throughout the entire province. Thank you British Columbia.”
“We are so proud of how British Columbians have once again come together to help the kids in this province,” said Kenton Boston, Vice-President, News & Information, Corus Entertainment. “More than ever, our children need our support, our guidance and our leadership to ensure there’s a strong tomorrow.”
“We are so appreciative of everyone who donated this year,” said Bill Senghera, Telethon Co-Chair and Business Consultant & Risk Manager, White Spot Restaurants. “We would also like to acknowledge our dedicated volunteers & phone panelists as well as our producers, on-air hosts and musical guests. It really was an amazing day.”
In addition to seeing updates on the children and families introduced during Global BC’s Variety Week last fall, viewers were also treated to musical performances by Shawn Hook, Jill Barber, The Heels, Delhi 2 Dublin and Krystle dos Santos. Also making their Show of Hearts debut this year show were spoken word poet, Wali Shah and special guest co-host George Takei.
Those who missed this year’s Show of Hearts can still make a donation online at variety.bc.ca or by texting “KIDS” to 45678 to make an automatic $20 contribution.
A huge thanks to the Miss604 Social Lounge team for spreading the word online all day and bringing in donations. This all-star crew of family, friends, and influencers included my nephew, Ethan Miles, who took the photos featured in this post and John Biehler who 3D printed the #ShowOfHearts pins.
Miss604 is the proud sponsor of the #ShowOfHearts Social Lounge and I am the Secretary of the Board of Directors for Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC. You can donate to my personal #ShowOfHearts campaign online here »
