HALIFAX (May 27, 2025) – This week, an annual Maritime tradition returns in support of the IWK Health Centre, the region’s largest children's hospital. Beginning Thursday, May 29, iHeartRadio Canada brings Maritimers the two-day IWK RADIOTHON. The four-day fundraising drive culminates with the IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN, Sunday, June 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. AT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app.

Beginning Thursday, five iHeartRadio Canada stations in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia share inspiring stories from IWK patients and their families. Starting at 7:30 a.m., listeners can tune in and make donations on the phone or online at any of the participating radio stations’ websites.

The celebrations continue Saturday, May 31 with the two-and-a half hour musical special A TELETHON TRIBUTE, airing at 7 p.m. AT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app. The broadcast includes Maritime performers Heather Rankin, JRDN, Dee Dee Austin, Cassie and Maggie, Irish Mythen, as well as Rankin MacInnis and the Broken Reeds.

Then, CTV Atlantic brings Maritimers the beloved IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN broadcast on Sunday, June 1, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. AT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app. The telethon features stories of patients and families who have received specialized care at the IWK as well as donors from around the region, including those who have generously given for the past four decades.

As the IWK’s largest annual fundraiser, the IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN supports the organization’s most urgent priority needs, including up-to-date equipment, advanced technology, research, and improved facilities.

“For the past 41 years, the IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN has brought Maritimers together to support generations of children, youth, and families who rely on the IWK," said Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “While we are in economically uncertain times, our children need us more than ever so the IWK continues to be an exceptional place for patient families across the Maritimes to receive highly specialized care, treatment and support."

“This event is a significant undertaking for both CTV and the IWK Foundation who have collaborated for decades to bring this annual event to life,” said Trent McGrath, General Manager, CTV Atlantic. “Long before Telethon week, the production team works tirelessly behind the scenes to produce the best show possible and shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done at the IWK.”

Many familiar faces from CTV Atlantic appear on the 2025 IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN, including CTV NEWS AT SIX Chief Anchor Todd Battis; CTV NEWS AT FIVE host Maria Panopalis; entertainment reporter Katie Kelly; CTV NATIONAL NEWS Nova Scotia correspondent Paul Hollingsworth; Chief Meteorologist Kalin Mitchell, and CTV MORNING LIVE’s Amanda Debison, Lataevia Beezer, and Crystal Garrett. Longtime Telethon host and CTV Atlantic special correspondent Steve Murphy returns, along with 41-year Telethon veteran Bill Carr. This year’s Telethon broadcast also welcomes Halifax’s MOVE Radio morning show host Peter Harrison along with special appearances by several radio hosts broadcasting live from Sunday’s show.

Donations can be made by phone at 1-800-595-2266 or online at iwkfoundation.org.

Coverage is also available for listeners across Canada via audio live stream on iHeart.com and the iHeartRadio Canada app.