56th Annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon
byVariety – the Children’s Charity has announced that the Variety Show of Hearts is returning to Global BC as a 3-day event. The iconic fundraiser will kick off on Global News Morning on Thursday, February 24 where viewers will be introduced to some of the amazing kids they’ve helped in 2021. The stories will then continue on all of Global BC’s newscasts throughout the day and on Friday, February 25. Viewers will then be treated to even more stories & surprises when the 56th Annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon airs on Saturday, February 26 from 1:00pm to 5:30pm.
Variety Show of Hearts Telethon
Returning to the stage will be hosts Chris Gailus, Sophie Lui, Kristi Gordon, Neetu Garcha, Paul Haysom and Jay Janower from Global BC as well as 980 CKNW’s Jody Vance. Joining them will be Show of Hearts favourites, Howard Blank, Alvin Law and Marco Pasqua along with actor and parent advocate, Bethel Lee, singer-songwriter, Seven Taviss and Variety Youth Champions, Janelle Milne and Esabella Strickland.
“The past two years have been challenging for us as a charity as we continue to see more and more families reaching out for support,” said Cally Wesson, CEO, Variety BC. “Two years ago, we received 10 grant applications a week and now we’re receiving over 10 applications a day. With the continued support of British Columbians, we’re hoping to help even more kids across the province in 2022.”
Throughout the three days, viewers will see their donor dollars in action when they’ll be introduced to children who have been helped by Variety including 4-year-old Cassie from Richmond who received hearing aids and 5-year old Ace from Abbotsford who received an adaptive stroller.
This year’s entertainment line-up will feature special guests, David Foster, Katharine McPhee and Colin James. In addition to winning sixteen Grammy Awards, David has also won both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe while earning three Oscar nominations for “Best Original Song”. Born in Victoria, the Canadian icon received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013. Katharine rose to fame in 2006 after finishing as runner-up on Season 5 of American Idol. Following the success of her 2007 self-titled album, she branched into acting on television and in films. Katharine went on to make her Broadway debut in 2018 playing the lead female role of “Jenna” in Waitress. Colin – who has earned seven Juno Awards over the span of his career – will be taking time out from his cross-Canada tour to perform songs from his newly released 20th studio album, Open Road.
And making their Show of Hearts debut will be six-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter, Serena Ryder, singer-songwriter, William Prince, Penticton’s own spoken word poet, Shane Koyczan and Canadian violinist, Adrian Anantawan.
“The Variety Show of Hearts brings people across the province together, with the common goal of providing added support to kids and their families,” said Bhupinder Hundal, News Director & Station Manager, Global BC. “During these challenging times, the need to support Variety is even greater and we at Global BC look forward to sharing stories of what your support means for so many families.”
Last year’s Show of Hearts raised $6,681,873 to benefit children with special needs province-wide. Donations can be made by calling 310-KIDS, going online, or by texting “KIDS” to 45678 to make an automatic $20 contribution.
Miss604 is the proud the proud Social Lounge sponsor of the Show of Hearts
