47th Annual CVCDA Children’s Telethon

The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) are excited to welcome you back, to the the Sid Williams Theatre where we will broadcast live via our Broadcast Partner, Shaw Spotlight.

The Telethon is a FREE event for the whole family to come down and experience a live TV broadcast, enjoy over 30 live performances, kids activities and be part of the wonderful fundraising spirit of the Comox Valley. Families will also still have the opportunity to view from the comforts of their own home or where ever they are in real-time from their TVs or streaming devices.

For 2022, we are pleased to announce that Fred Penner will be joining the ranks of the 47th CVCDA Children’s Telethon performer list. This two-time Juno winner, is an acclaimed family entertainer, singer/songwriter, composer, actor, writer, author, TV host and keynote speaker. At a recent keynote address to an early childhood education conference, Fred Penner delivered a simple, yet powerful message. “Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of a child.” Telethon organizers are over the moon for this support from a prominent performer with a heartfelt message in alignment with CVDA’s mission and vision.

Along with Fred Penner will be a whole roster of family friendly entertainment. For a number of years, JUNO Award winner, singer-songwriter, Helen Austin has participated as both an MC and a performer. Also, BC Country Music Association’s “Entertainer of the Year Award” for four consecutive years and now BCCMA Hall of Famer, Kenny Shaw will be back doing double duty as performer and MC bringing his humour and high-energy antics to the stage. Other MCs we are welcoming back for their second year are Sue Wood and Brian Wise.

Other performances include JUNO Award winner and Courtenay native, Sue Medley, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Anela Kahiamoe, Vancouver Island Music Awards’ ‘Vocalist of the Year’, Brodie Dawson and BC Music Hall of Famer, guitarist, Doug Cox. Visit our website for the complete schedule of events, special guests and over 30 local Comox Valley based performances: CVCDA.CA

As always, participants can contribute to the CVCDA’s fundraising goals through a number of methods. “Every year we continue to be so amazed at the generosity of our community in their support of the children and families we serve at the CVCDA” said Cindy Xavier, CVCDA Executive Director. “We are seeing a rapid rise in need for our early intervention and autism services. It’s clear that children continue to need these important services to thrive in both their family and community. We are so grateful for the support we receive and are excited to have a great Telethon this year.” Cindy continued, “Our children need you!”

The CVCDA will continue offering all fundraising opportunities online through our offcial website (www.cvcda.ca). This includes an online donation form, silent auction bidding, 50/50 and prize raffle ticket sales.

One of the highlights each year at the Telethon is the CVCDA Online Auction. Our auction currently has over 100 items to bid on and bidders can check back regularly as new items will be added weekly. Also, the CVCDA will once again be hosting our online 50/50 Raffle with tickets at a cost of 1 for $5, 4 for $10.00 or 10 for $20.00. There will be a total of 4,000 tickets available for sale with a chance to take home half the jackpot.

New this year, the committee is starting an online Prize Raffle, where participants will have the chance to win one of two amazing prizes. First prize is a WestJet Gift of Flight Voucher including one round trip flight for two guests to any regularly scheduled and marketed WestJet destination. Just think of the places you could go. The second prize is a Tofino Package including 2 nights at Middle Beach Lodge and a Whale or Bear Watching Tour for 2 hosted by Jamie’s Whaling Station and Adventure Centres. Tickets are currently avaialble online thru to Nov 6.

Both the auction bidding, 50/50 and prize raffle ticket sales will remain open throughout the Telethon broadcast. Auction bidding will end at 7pm on Sunday, November 6th. Then, the 50/50 and Prize draws will be announced live at 7:45pm. All of these fundraising totals will be included in the total funds raised for the 2022 telethon.

For those who would like to contribute by making a monetary donation, there are a number of ways to do so. Donors can phone in live to the Telethon to make a pledge to 250-334-9200 or call any time before or after the event to 250-338-4288. Online donations are also accepted anytime at CVCDA.CA.

Each of the CVCDA’s programs rely on various forms of funding and while they have generous support through contracts and grants, the need is still greater than what they are able to provide. The funds raised through the Telethon provide a crucial bridge to close the gap in what is needed to offer great services. Whether it is creating greater accessibility, building new therapy spaces or adding additional services – the funds raised from the Telethon are important to the sustainability of the CVCDA.

The Comox Valley Child Development Association is a non-profit organization locally supporting children, youth and adults with diverse abilities and their families since 1974. Their programs are diverse and broad-reaching in the community, helping more than a thousand children and their families each year. All of the CVCDA’s 17 programs are designed to not only enrich the lives of the people who access these services but also to contribute to a stronger Comox Valley that welcomes and includes everyone who lives here. Families who use services through the CVCDA

Please visit the Telethon online for all details: www.cvcda.ca/telethon