Frequently Asked Questions

This year, the CHEO Telethon is going to look a little different. To increase the Telethon’s impact by reaching even more viewers, the seven-hour broadcast is being spread across CTV programs during the week of June 3 and will end with a three-hour broadcast on June 8.  We will also have interviews on CTV Morning Live, CFRA, and the news at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. from June 3 to7.  

1. When is the CHEO Telethon?

The CHEO Telethon is online from May 27 to June 8. 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 Saturday, June 8 from 4 p.m. to 7 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.

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

You can donate online at cheotelethon.com starting May 27. By using our secure online donation form your dollars will be matched until 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 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 27 or by calling in on June 8.

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

  • Instagram: @CHEOhospital

#CHEOtelethon

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 8.

5. 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 the largest capital campaign in CHEO’s history to improve child healthcare, starting with the construction of an integrated treatment centre, also known as 1Door4Care, which will improve health services for children and youth living with complex medical, developmental, behavioural or mental health needs;

  • fund 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 healthcare 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.  

6. 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.