The 73rd Annual Lions Children’s Christmas Telethon raised $30,000 during its nine-hour telethon at Canadore College Saturday.
The telethon helps support families and children in need at Christmas.
“It started in 1945 just shortly after the war on the radio,” said telethon chair Gary Verge.
“And we still broadcast on the radio today through Country 600 CKAT. And it is aired on YourTV Channels 12 and 700. In Kearney, Sundridge and the Elks Club in North Bay we had viewing parties where people could drop in and there were dinners being served and refreshments available and card games. It was something we started last year and they’re all helping us out.”
Close to 30 acts from little ones to older professionals performed throughout the fundraiser.
A student choir from St. Thomas d’Aquin in Astorville was among the first to perform.
“They are from junior kindergarten to grade 8. This started a couple of years ago with Madame Griffith. It has become a tradition for the kids to come out and participate. We really enjoy it,” said teacher Carl Beaudry.
Proceeds help small communities outside of North Bay to Kearney, east to the Mattawa area.
“This year the preliminary numbers are showing about 440 children and we estimate about 300 to 350 families. I think we’ll see it a little bit above average in the long run,” said Verge.
“It can be just a husband and wife who are on hard times, or a single person who is struggling, and especially families with children that are having a hard time. Christmas is always harder on everybody’s budget than any other holiday.”
The Lions Clubs pay for either a turkey or ham depending on the number of people in a home.
“We also purchase presents for the children based on age and gender. The gifts are pre-sorted and wrapped. And then the different clubs, and through their local food banks, we make up and purchase a box of food around $100 per family and we drop it off in a couple weeks.”
Verge urges anyone wanting to donate to go to lionschildrenstelethon.com
“There is a donate button you can click, and it will take you to where you can make a donation and we accept those year-round. Or you can go into any Scotiabank in North Bay and say you would like to make a donation to the telethon.”
Tine is quickly running out to register for a food hamper and gifts.
“They can contact their local community food bank in the outlying areas or Lions Club member and express the need and we’ll have somebody take care of it.”
Verge asks that people please honour their pledge.
