Tune in your television to the Nanaimo Child Development Centre’s telethon this weekend for a chance to win an Air Canada trip for two anywhere in North America.
The Child Development Centre’s 2014 telethon happens Sunday (Oct. 5), from noon to 8 p.m., at the Port Theatre when more than 20 performances will hit the stage to help raise cash for programs that help children with developmental issues.
Last year’s telethon raised more than $28,000, but this year’s fundraising goal will only be revealed after all money raised at the telethon and through other fundraising events happening this fall has been counted.
“We’re not publicizing a goal. It’s a secret,” said Erica Horsfield, child development centre spokeswoman. “It’s going to be a really significant jump, probably closer to $100,000 just because we’re funnelling in other donations.”
Helping the centre reach its target will be Nanaimo actor Cameron Bright, who has appeared in the Twilight movies, X-Men and other films. Bright will have his photo taken with fans for donations in the Port Theatre lobby. Other entertainment will include a magic act and balloon animal artist, plus kids’ crafts and colouring. The public is invited to the theatre to watch the acts on stage.
“This year it’s kind of expanded from just having musical performances to also having a magician on stage, balloon animals in the lobby, a lot of dance groups, so it really does have something for everybody in the whole family…” Horsfield said. “There’s always something going in the lobby as well. It’s free entertainment for the day.”
Donations of just $20 or more will enter donors’ names in a draw for Air Canada flight tickets, two rounds of golf, a Kool and Child $500 prize package and more.
The telethon will be broadcast on Shaw TV Nanaimo Channel 4 and live streamed on the Nanaimo Child Development Centre website at www.nanaimocdc.com.