HALIFAX (May 31, 2018) – CTV Atlantic highlights the inspirational stories of patients and families from across the region whose lives have been forever changed by the IWK Health Centre and its staff in the 34^th annual IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN, airing throughout this weekend. The IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN kicks off this Saturday, June 2 at 7 p.m. AT and runs until Sunday, June 3 at 6 p.m. AT. The annual fundraiser has become a valued tradition among Maritimers who give generously each year.

The IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN is the IWK’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting the most urgent priority needs of the IWK Health Centre, including up-to-date equipment, advanced technology, research, and improved facilities. Donations can be made by calling 1-800-595-2266 or online at www.iwkfoundation.org.

Audiences can expect to see many familiar faces from CTV Atlantic on the 2018 IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN, including Senior Anchor Steve Murphy, CTV NEWS AT 5 hosts Jayson Baxter and Maria Panopalis, and meteorologist Kalin Mitchell. The entire CTV MORNING LIVE team will also make appearances over the weekend.

The 2018 IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN features performances by Cape Breton sensation Pretty Archie, fiddler Colin Grant, rising country star Makayla Lynn, and Ian Janes, whose music has been featured on the hit musical drama series NASHVILLE.

“The IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN is an annual tradition that highlights just how deeply Maritimers care about the IWK and that they want our children and women to have access to nothing less than the best,” says Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “Maritimers can be confident that their donations through the telethon support the purchase of priority equipment and fund research and new facilities. Their generosity has a direct impact on the patients from across our region who rely on the IWK every single day.”

“We couldn’t be more proud to be part of the team bringing the IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN to our Maritime community,” said Trent McGrath, Vice-President and General Manager, CTV Atlantic. “Helping to tell the stories of these children and their families, as they face unimaginable health issues, is one of the most important things we do. We’re honoured to support the valuable work that IWK contributes to families across the region.”

A much-beloved annual television event throughout the Maritimes, CTV Atlantic transforms Halifax’s IWK Health Centre into a television studio for the IWK TELETHON FOR CHILDREN. The broadcast features additional live reports from Sydney, N.S., Saint John, N.B., and Charlottetown.