PICTOU, N.S. — The Pictou County Christmas Fund telethon – a tradition that dates back to the mid-1950s – will take centre stage this Sunday at the deCoste.
Last year, the telethon set a goal of $80,000 and succeeded in raising more than $87,000 in pledges, all of which goes towards helping local families in need enjoy a Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings. This year’s goal is the same and organizers are hoping it is as successful as the 2018 edition.
“The PCCF telethon is the beginning of the Christmas season for me,” Christmas Fund chair Monique Sobey said. “The residents and business communities in Pictou County are very generous in helping the Christmas fund collect and distribute funds for people who need assistance with food over the holiday season.”
The event will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the deCoste and will once again feature many local live entertainers. People can also watch this year’s telethon on East Link TV channel 10 or listen online thanks to Lucas Technology & Analytics. There will be an audio streaming link made available on mix941.ca and on the Pictou County Christmas Telethon Facebook page.
Pledges can be honoured at The Advocate office, Atlantic Insurance on Provost Street in New Glasgow, or any bank or credit union in the county.
Debbie VanSickle, past board chair, has been working behind the scenes for more than two decades.
“It always warms my heart when I see the donations rolling in each year,” VanSickle said. “Everyone deserves to have a Christmas dinner and our community is always there to assist.”
She encourages everyone to come to the deCoste Centre to enjoy the show on Nov. 24.
Ann MacGregor has been a board member for 17 years and currently heads the Entertainment Committee. She says, “We feel so blessed that each and every year we’re able to fill the stage at the deCoste with wonderful live performances throughout the day by entertainers from Pictou County and beyond. We can’t thank them enough for donating their time and talent to make the show a festive filled fun event to watch."
Disbursement dates in New Glasgow are Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Summer Street and in Pictou on Dec. 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Hall.
Some of this year’s performers include:
Pat Spaulding
Randy Swallow
The Music Company
Trilogy
The Kitchen Criminals
Amelia Parker
Pam Leblanc
Ray Stewart
Don Haggart
