For generations of Atlantic Canadians, the first Saturday in December means one thing: the Christmas Daddies Telethon is on the air. Launched in 1964, it has become one of Canada’s longest-running and most cherished charity broadcasts. Over six decades it has raised more than $40 million — every dollar staying in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island — to make sure no Maritime child wakes up without gifts or food on Christmas morning.
The beginning: 1964
The idea was born in the CJCH-TV (now CTV Atlantic) studios in Halifax when announcer Jim Hill Sr. and news director Jack Dalton encountered a young boy panhandling on the street. Moved by the sight, they decided television could do something about child poverty at Christmas.
On December 5, 1964, they took over the station after the late movie and went live with a simple, unfunded telethon. With no paid talent, they relied on local children’s choirs, radio personalities, and anyone willing to answer phones. They called themselves “The Christmas Daddies” and asked viewers to help give kids a real Christmas.
The first broadcast raised approximately $1,500 — a modest start that proved the concept worked. It has aired every year since.
Growth through the decades
The second telethon (1965) raised about $5,000, and donations grew steadily. By the 1970s the show had expanded to six and then seven hours, moving to the full CTV Atlantic network to reach all three provinces. The Salvation Army became — and remains — the sole distribution partner, delivering toys, clothing, and food hampers directly to families in need.
Jim Hill Sr. became the beloved face of the event, hosting nearly every year until his death in 2010. His warm voice and gentle humour made him a Maritime institution, and recordings of him still open many broadcasts.
Maritime stars who have taken the stage
Over the years the telethon has showcased an extraordinary roster of East Coast talent, almost all of whom donate their time:
- Anne Murray (multiple appearances from the 1970s onward)
- Rita MacNeil (a near-annual fixture until her passing in 2013)
- The Rankin Family
- Natalie MacMaster
- The Barra MacNeils
- Lennie Gallant
- George Canyon
- Joel Plaskett
- Classified
- Sloan
- Matt Mays
- Dave Gunning
- Recent favourites: Neon Dreams, Fortunate Ones, Hillsburn, Morgan Toney, Cassie & Maggie MacDonald, Good Dear Good, and Alicia Toner
Comedy duo Bette MacDonald and Maynard Morrison have also been regulars, delivering sketches that capture pure Maritime humour. NHL stars from the region — including Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Brad Marchand — have sent video messages or appeared when home for the holidays.
Staying true while moving forward
Core principles have never changed:
- 100 % of donations stay in the Maritimes
- All on-air talent and production crew are volunteers (mostly CTV Atlantic staff and their families)
- Bell Media donates airtime and facilities
- The Salvation Army handles distribution
Technology has evolved — online donations, live streaming, and (since 2023) an online auction — but the heart of the show remains the same: local performers, big cheque presentations from schools and businesses, and a tote board that climbs all afternoon.
Tomorrow: The 62nd telethon
On December 6, 2025, the Christmas Daddies Telethon returns live on CTV Atlantic from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Atlantic Time, with streaming available at ctvnewsatlantic.ca and on the CTV app.
Sixty-one broadcasts, more than $40 million raised, and countless childhood memories created. As the tote board lights up once again, the Maritimes will prove — as they have every December since 1964 — that this corner of Canada truly takes care of its own.
The Christmas Daddies official website: https://www.christmasdaddies.org/
