CHEO Telethon raises record-setting $10.9 million to support CHEO
The theme of the 38th CHEO Telethon was “Stronger Together,” and this year the community came together to raise a record amount of money to support children and their families that visit CHEO every day.
The CHEO Telethon raised $10.9 million to support life-saving treatment, state-of-the-art medical equipment and ground-breaking research at CHEO.
“This is just an incredible feeling for everybody, it should be a feeling of pride for the whole community,” said Kevin Keohane, President and CEO of the CHEO Foundation.
“Thanks to everybody for being part of making CHEO the special place that it is.”
Sunday’s six-hour CHEO Telethon on CTV Ottawa wrapped up the two-week virtual campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic has had a huge impact on kids and families,” said Alex Munter, President and CEO of CHEO.
“People can count on CHEO, we’ll be there for you. We’ll be there to support kids and families on the way back and we’re looking to the community, through the telethon, to help us do that.”
The CHEO Foundation says the $10.9 million raised during the CHEO Telethon will allow CHEO to serve the 500,000 children and youth who will need programs and services in the coming year.
“Together we are creating a stronger community and a stronger CHEO,” said the CHEO Foundation.
Munter looked ahead to what CHEO and the community will face as the recovery begins from the pandemic.
“Everyone is tired, it’s been such an unprecedented 15, 16 months. One of the things that I think that’s different this year, I was reflecting on last year’s telethon when the pandemic was just a couple of months old, I think this year that people understand a lot better that there’s been huge impacts on children as a result of the pandemic,” said Munter on Sunday.
“Kids have paid a huge price, and we all owe children and youth enormous gratitude for the sacrifices they’ve made so that together we can beat COVID-19.”
The CHEO Foundation said the phrase “Stronger Together” is still the call for unity that connects the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In these challenging times our community has pressed pause on many of life’s activities, yet there is no break for the children and youth at CHEO,” said the CHEO Foundation.
Munter says there will be an “enormous need” for surgery, medicine, mental health, development and rehabilitation at CHEO in the weeks and months ahead.
“Every month now we’re getting 1,000 more referrals for care than we have the ability to see,” said Munter.
“Over the course of the year, that’s 12,000 kids that we’re going to add to our wait list if we don’t really mobilize government, the community, our own resources to be able to see them. That’s a big deal, we really need to be there for kids.”
This was the final CHEO Telethon for Keohane as President and CEO of the CHEO Foundation, as he retires this year. Keohane says he’s touched with how families have supported CHEO during the pandemic.
“When you look at the families that come up with ways to give back. We’ve heard today from families who’ve lost children, we’ve talked to families that have gone through experiences that none of us want to live through, and yet what do they do?” said Keohane.
“They look for ways to give back, they look for ways to help other people. These are remarkable people.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.