Ottawa's Biggest Fundraiser for Kids Is Back This Saturday
Ottawa families, clear your Saturday schedule — the 43rd annual CHEO Telethon is hitting CTV Ottawa this weekend, and the community's support is needed more than ever.
The CHEO Telethon is one of Ottawa's longest-running and most beloved charitable traditions, bringing together local celebrities, community leaders, volunteers, and everyday Ottawans to raise funds for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). For more than four decades, this annual broadcast has been a cornerstone of community giving in the capital.
What Is the CHEO Telethon?
The CHEO Telethon is a live fundraising broadcast that airs on CTV Ottawa, featuring entertainment, heartfelt patient stories, and non-stop phone lines for donations. Volunteers staff the phones throughout the day, and donations of all sizes are gratefully accepted.
CHEO serves as Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec's only pediatric academic health sciences centre — meaning it's the go-to hospital for seriously ill and injured children across a massive region. Every dollar raised through the telethon goes directly toward improving care, funding research, and purchasing equipment that helps kids and families when they need it most.
Why It Matters
CHEO cares for more than 500,000 patient visits each year, and while the hospital receives government funding, charitable donations fill critical gaps — from cutting-edge medical equipment to mental health programs for young patients and family support services.
The telethon model works precisely because Ottawa shows up. Year after year, local businesses sponsor segments, schools organize fundraising drives, and individuals call in pledges that collectively add up to millions of dollars for the hospital.
How to Watch and Donate
Tune in to CTV Ottawa on Saturday to catch the full broadcast. You can also donate directly through the CHEO Foundation's website if you can't watch live. Every contribution — big or small — counts toward the overall goal.
Whether you're a long-time donor or watching for the first time, the telethon is also genuinely moving television. The patient stories shared throughout the broadcast serve as a powerful reminder of why CHEO's work is so essential to Ottawa families.
A Community Tradition Worth Supporting
For 43 years, this telethon has been proof that Ottawa knows how to come together for the kids. It's not just a fundraiser — it's a reminder of what makes this city tick: neighbours looking out for neighbours, and a community that refuses to leave its youngest and most vulnerable members behind.
Mark your calendar, tune in Saturday on CTV Ottawa, and consider making a donation. The kids at CHEO are counting on it.
Source: CTV News Ottawa / Google News Ottawa RSS