Telethon Broadcasts Tonight To Help Haiti
January 22nd, 2010

Tonight, a number of Canadian broadcasters united to bring the nation a live telethon known as “Canada For Haiti”. Of course, early last week, Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince was ravaged by a massive earthquake claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands. Canada is being urged to come together a nation to show Haiti the compassion and goodwill that the country is known for.

The broadcast features co-hosts Ben Mulroney and George Stroumboulopoulus and a long list of other Canadian celebrities who are all unified in their support of the Haiti relief effort. It is clear that the disaster in Haiti is one of the worst of its kind in many years. The need for generous donations has never been so great.

Many of the celebrities on the telethon broadcast including musicians, actors and athletes showed visible signs of compassion and distress over the devastation in Haiti and the dire need to support the relief effort in that country. All Canadians are being asked to demonstrate the true nature of their heritage and donate as much as they can towards this very necessary cause.

Said Mulroney: “When we talk about being leaders in the world, this is what we mean and this (telethon) is just another way for us to do that. This is a long-term project, it’s going to require countries from around the world and we’re doing more than our part in an attempt to pull people in the same direction. I’m just privileged to play a small role in that.”

The telethon broadcast featured a benefit concert which was aired on CityTV, CBC, CTV and Global Television at 7pm Eastern Time. It was also streamed live to their websites and broadcasted on CBC Radio Two.

The list of Canadian celebrities who participated in the “Canada For Haiti” event seemed endless. It included actors Ryan Reynolds, William Shatner, Joshua Jackson, Eugene Levy, Sandra Oh and Pamela Anderson just to name a few. As well, musicians Nelly Furtado, Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies and Simple Plan also took part.

Immediately following the one hour Canadian broadcast was the two hour U.S. benefit “Hope for Haiti Now”. Hosted by George Clooney, this concert featured the likes of Beyonce, Madonna, Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Coldplay and Taylor Swift.

Canadians can donate by visiting CanadaForHaiti.com or by calling 1-877-51-HAITI. You may also text “AID” to 45678 to make a $5 donation to Canada For Haiti. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar by the Canadian federal government up to $50 million. The world is doing its part to lend a very much needed helping hand to the people of Haiti. All Canadians are encouraged to join in.