Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the CHEO Telethon?

The CHEO Telethon is online from May 22 to June 4. Meet the CHEO families, doctors, nurses and staff who make CHEO a special place full of courage and hope. When you donate through our secure portal, your donations will be matched thanks to generous corporate partners!

Tune into CTV Ottawa on Sunday, June 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and call 613-730-CHEO (2436) to donate. Watch as the patients and families who are profiled online update you on their stories. You’ll hear more about where your dollars are most needed and the amazing work that goes on at CHEO every day thanks to the generosity of donors. Local companies and community leaders will be unveiling their CHEO Telethon contributions and together we’ll celebrate all the heroes for CHEO, including you!

2. Can’t watch the Telethon? No problem!

You can donate online at cheotelethon.com starting May 22. By using our secure online donation form your dollars will be matched until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 4 when the final fundraising total is announced live on CTV Ottawa.

3. I am not able to donate this year, but I would still like to help CHEO. Are there other ways to get involved with the CHEO Telethon?

There are many ways that you can get involved and help CHEO care for the children, youth and families in our community. The most significant thing that you can do is to help us promote the CHEO Telethon! Please share stories from this year’s Telethon, your CHEO experience, your gratitude for the staff and why you think the community should support the CHEO Telethon by donating online starting May 22 or by calling in on June 4.

You can share your CHEO story on social media or share the CHEO stories that we post. Get your network involved! Go to cheotelethon.com for our social media toolkit, make a post on Facebook or LinkedIn. Keep posting and sharing to start a conversation with your network and be sure to share it with CHEO! Include cheofoundation.com on all your social media channels and encourage everyone to donate and double their impact.

Tools for you:

Where to find us:

Handles and hashtags:

  • Facebook: @CHEOkids

  • Twitter: @CHEO

  • Instagram: @CHEOhospital

#hero4CHEO

#CHEOtelethon

#StrongerTogether

4. I usually volunteer at Telethon, am I still able to do that?

Unfortunately not. At this time we are unable to invite our amazing volunteers to answer the phones or help support the broadcast. Viewers will still be able to watch, learn and donate by visiting www.cheotelethon.com or by calling 613-730-CHEO (2436) on June 4.

5. I usually present a cheque at the CHEO Telethon, am I still doing it this year and how will that work? 

Thank you for fundraising for CHEO, we really appreciate it. If you haven’t been contacted for a presentation to date, please contact Julie Berube at jberube@cheofoundation.com.

6. Where does the money go that is raised by the CHEO Telethon?

Your donation allows CHEO to serve these patients by providing life-saving treatment, state-of-the-art medical equipment and ground-breaking research. In ways big and small you are keeping CHEO current so we can address our usual day to day needs as well as tackle what is needed during times of crisis.  

Your donation helps to:   

  • be there for CHEO’s most medically complex and vulnerable patients;

  • support research projects from basic science, systems in our Emergency Department, mental health services to address the impact of isolation on children, and acquisition of personal protective equipment for our frontline health care workers;

  • continue to diagnose and treat the children who come through our doors;

  • offer patient and family support programs that are such a vital part of the care provided at CHEO;

  • ensure CHEO’s social workers can assist families in financial hardship;

  • send caregivers home with the right medical devices, feeding equipment, sanitizing products and medications so that they can successfully manage care outside of the hospital setting.  

7. Who do I call if I want to organize an event?

There are many safe, creative and fun ways to support CHEO. We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions please contact Julie Berube at jberube@cheofoundation.com.