Easter Seals Telethon marks 25 years

The Easter Seals Telethon embarks on its 25th year with a show that will help generate imperative funds and bring greater awareness to the challenges and the inspiring victories of children and youth with physical disabilities. Hosted since the beginning by Roger Abbott and Don Ferguson of the Royal Canadian Air Farce, the show will be broadcast on Sunday, April 6 from 10 am to 7 pm on CBC and affiliate broadcasters.

A number of local celebrity hosts will honour Easter Seals by engaging viewers during the course of the day, including: Alan Nursal, Stewart Nursall, Lynne Raven and Scott Overton. 

This year's Easter Seals Telethon presents a talented list of artists including:Amy Sky and Marc Jordan, Justin Hines, Sandra Beech, the cast from Dirty Dancing and the 80-member Newchoir that includes long-time Easter Seals supporter and celebrity broadcast host Tom Harrington. A highlight, bringing the house down again this year, will be the cast from We Will Rock You, performing from the popular musical, with a special new "walk on" featuring the two provincial Easter Seals Ambassadors.

Strong celebrity support for the Easter Seals Telethon reveals an impressive history that will be featured in the 25th Anniversary Moments, shown throughout the day. Included will be segments featuring: Pierre Trudeau, Alanis Morissette and Bobby Orr, just to name a few.

This year's telethon co-hosts will be Markus Schwabe (CBC), Rich Griffin and Gary Beech (EZ Rock), Terry Callaghan and Mellany Dahl (Q92). The local ambassadors are Tyler Prevost and Nicole Vachon. The event will be held at Cambrian College's eDome.

With more than 20,000 children and youth with physical disabilities in Ontario, Easter Seals relies on public support to make a difference. Families rely on Easter Seals to help purchase essential equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, and communication devices. Easter Seals also offers fully accessible camp and funding for other recreational activities. For more information, or to donate, visit www.easterseals.org .