Easter Seals Telethon is a local tradition
The annual charity event raises needed money for children and youth with physical disabilities
The annual Easter Seals Telethon will be broadcast live this Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., airing on YourTV and Global Peterborough.
For 52 years, the telethon has been entertaining and informing viewers while raising essential funds for children and youth with physical disabilities as part of the annual fundraising and awareness campaign.
“This year, we will be visiting with familiar faces, past ambassadors and local celebrities of the past 52 telethons,” says Coralie Jacobs, senior development officer.
“The annual telethon celebrates success stories, showcases Easter Seals kids and their families, recognizes donors and sponsors and raises funds for children and youth with physical disabilities,” Jacobs added.
For the past 102 years, Easter Seals has provided support for children and youth with physical disabilities and, thanks to its donors, the organization continues to offer programs to enable kids to experience freedom, independence and a sense of accomplishment through access to financial assistance for mobility equipment, communication devices and experiences at summer camp.
“Together, we are helping kids be kids,” she says.
During the telethon broadcast, host Stu Harrison will welcome the regional ambassador for Easter Seals, seven-year-old Sawyer Grace Growden.
There will also be an appearance by Peterborough’s deputy mayor, Joy Lachica, and her declaration of March as Easter Seals Month.
“Some of our favourite local telethon celebrities will be there as we celebrate Graham Hart and his 50th telethon this year,” says Jacobs. “There will also be greetings from Global Peterborough, YourTV and me.”
The telethon will feature local families telling their stories about Easter Seals and how important it is to support the organization.
They are aiming to raise $100,000 this year, which will be used to help families in this region buy mobility assistant devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, van lifts, ramps and braces and any other needed equipment, as well as to send kids to one of two fully accessible camps, Woodeden near London and Merrywood near Perth.
As the children grow with their disabilities, their equipment needs to grow with them, according to Jacobs.
Donations can be made any time at easterseals.org/telethon or supporters can make a pledge during the telethon on Sunday.
For information, contact Jacobs at 705-761-4159, cjacobs@easterseals.org or visit easterseals.org.
Euchre for Wounded Warriors
Charity fundraising euchre games will take place at the Peterborough Legion, 1550 Lansdowne St. W. on the third Monday of the month: today, April 15 and May 20 from 7 p.m. to approximately 10:30 p.m., at a cost of $10 per person.
The games benefit Wounded Warriors Canada and go toward the team of Master Cpl. (retired) Patrick Schillemat, who will be participating in the Battlefield Bike Ride this June when approximately 100 riders from across Canada will go to Normandy, France, in a 500-kilometre bicycle ride to honour those who fought in the Second World War.
Mapleridge Recreation Centre
There are lots of activities happening at Mapleridge Recreation Centre, 1085 Brealey Dr.
The mission of this non-profit organization is to provide social, recreational and educational activities for adults 50 plus.
There will be a Saturday Night Dance this weekend, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the dance happening from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
It will cost $12 preregistered or $15 cash at the door.
There will be a DJ, 50/50, cash bar and snacks for sale.
Nonmembers are welcome. There will be an Easter Dinner on Saturday at 1 p.m. at a cost of $25.
Doors open at noon, with dinner being served at 1 p.m., including glazed ham, cheesy scalloped potatoes, veggies, garden salad, roll, dessert, tea and coffee.
For information, visit mapleridgerecreationcentre.com.