In its 51st year, the Variety Show of Hearts telethon, the one-day fundraising event on Global BC Sunday, raised
$5.1 million for children with special needs in the province.
A recent recipient of Variety, the Children's Charity, is eight-year-old Karensa Gauthier of Prince George, who received life-changing equipment including hearing aids, a microphone system that would allow Karensa to tune into teachers and dance instructors, as well as a specially-equipped telephone that uses technology compatible with her hearing aids so she could communicate with family from across the country.
The Children's Charity received an unexpected $1 million donation from the Illich Family Foundation, a longtime supporter of the cause, that capped off the live television event.
During the show, broadcast from the Molson Canadian Theatre at the Hard Rock Vancouver, profiles were featured on several children in need, as well as showcasing many musical entertainers including Dallas Smith, Dan Mangan and Washboard Union.
"It was exciting, it was moving, it was humbling - the whole day was almost overwhelming," said Kristy Gill, Variety BC CEO.
"I am completely blown away by the generosity of our donors. The funds we raised are going to help kids in communities across British Columbia to walk, to speak, to learn ... I'm so proud of our Variety team, all of our partners, and everyone else who contributed to make this day such as success for kids with special needs and their families."
Donations can always be made online at variety.bc.ca, toll-free by phone at 310-KIDS, or by texting "KIDS" to 45678 to make an automatic $20 contribution.
