One of the signs of spring in Windsor-Essex is the upcoming Easter Seals Ontario telethon.
The 37th annual event, the biggest fundraiser of the year for Easter Seals Ontario, will take place on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Clair College. The telethon moves into its new digs at the Student Life Centre on the main campus after being at Central Park Athletics last year.
At a media event Wednesday morning, the names of the telethon's ambassadors, Eric and Serena, were revealed. Rebecca Rivard, the fundraising chairperson for Easter Seals, told BlackburnNewsWindsor.com that those watching and participating in the telecast will be delighted by the ambassadors.
"Eric is a born performer, he loves doing impressions and being a star. He's definitely going to make us laugh on Sunday," said Rivard. "And Serena, her intelligence is intimidating, that's really the best way I can describe her. When you sit down and have a conversation with her, you're blown away."
The telethon raises money for children and young people with physical disabilities, providing services and programs to help pay for expensive equipment, as well as help them attend their popular summer camps.
"Every kid can experience every activity at these camps, no barriers, whether it's whitewater rafting or sledge hockey, rock-climbing or yoga, the kids get to come out and have a great time. Just basically be kids," said Rivard.
Last year's telethon shattered its goal, raising over $176,000. Despite that, Rivard said the need is still there. She said 786 families were helped through Easter Seals in 2018, but over 230 families remained on the waiting list at the end of the year.
The telethon will feature local media personalities, business owners, and telethon sponsors. Blackburn Radio will be represented by newscaster Adelle Loiselle and Mix 96.7FM afternoon host "Phat Matt" Franklin. Complete information on the show, including channels and streaming, is available on the telethon's official website.
