On January 25th and 26th, British Columbians will have the chance to show their hearts to children who have special needs.

Variety – The Children’s Charity returns to the air on Global BC with the 48th annual Show of Hearts Telethon, its biggest fundraising event.

Last year generous donors helped Variety raise over $7 million.

For anyone who grew up in British Columbia, Variety’s Show of Hearts Telethon is a yearly celebration of the positive and far-reaching impact donors have on families with children who have special needs.

“The Telethon is our signature fundraiser,” says Bernice Scholten, Executive Director of Variety. “Once a year we ask viewers to invite us into their living rooms to see firsthand the impact their donations make and ask them to support children who have special needs.”

“Variety is about families supporting families and there’s nothing more powerful than that.”

As with every Variety’s fundraising campaign, all funds raised at Variety and the Show of Hearts Telethon stay in British Columbia.

In 2013, Variety provided grants to 1,277 families and also to 32 organizations offering specialized programs and services to children who have special needs.

The funding paid for things like new equipment in hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Units, expensive life-saving medications, physical therapies, mobility and communication devices and educational bursaries to special schools.

The programming lineup this year includes performances by internationally renowned artists including Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, and “Journey of Man”, a visually stunning celebration of life presented by Cirque Du Soleil.

Watch your favourite Global BC personalities on January 25th at 7:00 p.m. to January 26th at 5:30 p.m. and make a pledge by calling 310-KIDS. Donations can also be made online at variety.bc.ca.

 Complete program information is available online at  www.variety.bc.ca/telethon.

 

World stars headline show

 

Variety’s 48th annual Show of Hearts Telethon has a programming line-up that promises to be one of the most entertaining ever.

Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Canada’s own Cirque Du Soleil are among the world-famous performers showcased at this year’s event.

Over 1.5 million people tuned in to watch last year’s Variety’s Show of Hearts Telethon.

This year’s program includes:

 

• A Musicares Tribute to Barbra Streisand

• Elton John: In Concert

• Adele: Live From The Artist’s Den 

• Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man

• Norah Jones: Live From The Artist’s Den

• Mumford & Sons: Live From The Artist’s Den 

• A MusiCares Tribute to Bruce Springsteen.

 

Global BC on-air personalities, including Chris Gailus, Jill Krop, Sophie Lui, Steve Darling and many others, return to host the show over its 22.5 hour broadcast.

And annual favourite Bob McGrath of Sesame Street fame will be on hand once again, bringing his storytelling magic to generations of fans.

 Visit  variety.bc.ca for complete program information.