Windsor’s 36th Easter Seals Telethon a huge success

The 36th annual Easter Seals Telethon blew past its fundraising goal of $145,000 raising more than $176,000 this year.

The telethon brings in about 70 per cent of Easter Seals’ funds for the year.

It takes about 40-50 volunteers and many sponsors and community partners to make it work.

District chair of the telethon Ram Sridhar said the success of the event is not just the money raised.

“You have to take into consideration if it’s well run, it’s well hosted…no television production issues, that the people who come out and donate their time or donate their money got to experience what Easter Seals is about, got to understand the stories of the families,” said Sridhar.

“In the end, you’re raising money for families in need, right? So that’s why I say it’s successful.”

Mark McKenzie is a morning show host for 89.X radio and helped host the telethon. This is his third year hosting and he said the people and businesses in the area are the “true heroes” of the event’s success and that without them, none of it would be possible.

“The most unique aspect of the Easter Seals Telethon is seeing everyone working together for one cause,” said McKenzie.

“No matter if they work for different media organizations, competing companies or even different religious backgrounds … everyone realizes that we are there to help the kids that need it.”

Because of how many partners the event needs to be successful year after year, Sridhar said planning and preparation for next year’s telethon will begin around September or October this year.