Lions/CTV Telethon facts

  • The Lions/CTV Children’s Christmas Telethon has become a widely recognized and welcomed tradition in the Nipissing District (The Blue Sky Region) for over 50 years.
  • Bell TV has come through in a big  way by allowing us  to broadcast the North Bay telethon coast to coast
  • Canadore TV, Security, and Graphic students are involved with the event by setting up the website, creating advertising packages and providing security and of course broadcasting the show.
  • CTV once again is a long time partner 
  • As we have grown, we realized that many of the communities we assist are unable to access our programming as they have no ability to receive cable service. Numerous communities rely on satellite service.
  • Many years ago, area Lions Clubs realized that disadvantaged families in the outlying areas around North Bay needed help at Christmas. 
  • An idea was born( Northern Ontario Has Talent) which would entertain and raise money on a grand scale and in return generate more viewers and donations.
  • The concern of determining who are the “ needy” children was solved by receiving input from school teachers, clergy, concerned citizens and child welfare agencies.
  • Lions Clubs submit lists of names with children’s ages to a committee and qualifying families are determined by the committee.
  • A local rental company donates a 5 ton truck and van for Lion members to travel to Sudbury to pick-up pre-wrapped packages, approximately one week before delivery to the families.
  • Many of the Lions Clubs also make food baskets which include a turkey or ham and all the fixings to make a nutritious Christmas meal.
  • Over the years we have grown steadily and a partnership with Canadore Collage allows students to gain first hand experience in the broadcasting and marketing of The Lions/CTV Children’s Christmas Telethon.
  • The partnerships with local businesses has made the Lions/CTV Children’s Christmas Telethon a recognizable fund raiser in and around this area.
  •  Over the years, needy children and families have enjoyed receiving a Chistmas gift and basket because of The Lions/CTV Children’s Telethon, when otherwise they may have had a bleak holiday season.
  • Our telethon committee is comprised of Lion members and concerned citizens from the communities of North Bay, East Ferris, Widdifield, Callender, Sturgeon Falls, Temiscaming, Bonfield, Powasan, Redbridge, Feronia, Nipissing Village, Mattawa, Emsdale, Kearney, Burks Falls, Dunechurch, Sundridge, South River, Trout Creek, Restoule, Magnetawan, Argyle, Golden Valley, Arnstein, Port Loring & Lorning and the area television station MCTV (now CTV). 
  • This year’s Telethon will be aired “live” from Canadore Collage via satellite “we hope” on the first Saturday of December, and our mandate continues to raise money to buy Christmas toys and supply food baskets for needy families and their children. 
  • Our goal this year is to reach the people in the rural areas, those who require our assistance and those who can offer financial support.