One of Sudbury’s warmest holiday traditions continues as the CTV Lions Children’s Christmas Telethon returns for its 76th annual event on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Since its first broadcast in 1949, the telethon has helped the community by bringing Christmas joy to thousands of children in need across northern Ontario.
About the Show
This live, nine-hour televised event will highlight the entertainment scene in northern Ontario – showcasing local talent from Sudbury and surrounding areas – all performing to raise funds for Christmas gifts.
Lion Sam Khoury, long-time chairperson of the Minnow Lake Lions Club, says the goal is to ensure that children from needy families can experience the magic of the holidays with toys, food, and a little extra joy.
“This year marks 76 years of helping needy families and putting smiles on the faces of children at Christmas time,” Khoury says.
The tradition began in 1949 when members of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartets helped the Salvation Army raise $500 by singing Christmas carols downtown.
The Sudbury Lions Club became involved in 1972, and by 1998, MCTV–CTV had joined the drive, helping to grow the telethon into the event it is today.
Local Talent Shines
Every year, the telethon features a variety of local singers, musicians and artists.
“The talent in the Sudbury area is unreal,” Khoury says. “It’s amazing to see these performers bring Christmas music to life with their voices. Their passion is what makes the telethon so special.”
A Night for the Community
For families watching at home, the telethon represents more than just a show — for many, it’s a holiday tradition.
“Telethon night is like Christmas tree night for everyone in the Sudbury area,” Khoury says.
While setting aside the evening to gather together and decorate their tree, families tune into the telethon to enjoy the performances, call in to donate, and share in the spirit of giving.
In addition to being available live at Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury, the telethon will be broadcast on CTV Northern Ontario and also streamed online, making it accessible far beyond Sudbury.
Last year, the telethon reached viewers in 18 countries, Khoury says, with donations coming in from places as far as the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, and Barbados.
Making a Difference
The funds raised during the telethon go directly toward providing Christmas gifts for children in need with the help of our major sponsors Tim Hortons, Glencore, Vale, Air Canada Foundation and many more companies.
In 2022, more than $320,000 was raised, and over 18,000 toys were distributed. Khoury says he takes pride in the work of the Lions Club, and gives thanks to the countless volunteers involved.
“The community is fantastic,” he says. “There are 15 different Lions Clubs in the Sudbury area that help with the telethon and delivering toys, and we also rely heavily on Big Brothers Big Sisters, the army, and the cadets to help deliver the toys.”
The efforts cover an enormous area – from Sudbury and its surrounding communities to Manitoulin Island, Elliot Lake, and even regions as far as Temiskiming, QC.
“And last year, with the help of everyone involved, we delivered over 18,000 toys. Many hands, but one heart.”
The Heart of the Telethon
When asked what keeps him engaged with the CTV Lions Children’s Christmas Telethon after 38 years, Khoury’s answer was simple: the joy of helping others.
“You can imagine the feeling I get when families call to thank us for what we give them,” he says.
One particular story stands out for him — it revolves around a woman who, as a child, had received help from the telethon. Years later, she returned to donate, deeply grateful for the support her family had received when they needed it most.
“That’s what makes it all worth it,” Khoury says.
“When you see kids running to you because they can’t believe you’re bringing them food and toys at Christmas — that’s what keeps us going.”
How to Watch and Support
The telethon kicks off at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, and runs until 11 p.m. You can watch in person at Place des Arts, online at CTVNorthernOntario.ca, or on TV through various channels. Donations can be made in person at All Nations Church, 414 St. Raphael Street.
With every dollar raised, the CTV Lions Children’s Christmas Telethon continues to spread holiday cheer, ensuring no child is left behind this Christmas.