Santa's Helpers on CHCO-TV Raises $51,000 to Help Families in Southwest New Brunswick

The 53rd annual Santa's Helpers telethon took place on Sunday, November 26, 2023 on CHCO Television. During the over five hour telethon that featured choir performances from schools across Southwest New Brunswick, viewers from across the province and beyond called in pledges to help local families in need over the holidays. Thanks to these pledges as well as some generous donations from local businesses and organizations, the telethon raised $51,000 with more donations still coming in through e-transfer and cheque donations. 100% of the proceeds raised by the Santa's Helpers telethon will help nearly 500 children and their families have a Christmas this year. 

"This will go along way to help so many families in our corner of New Brunswick," said Brad Henderson, Board Member of the Santa's Helpers organization and Mayor of the Town of Saint Andrews. The telethon was hosted by CHCO News Director Vicki Hogarth. MLA Andrea Anderson-Mason of Fundy-the Isles-Saint John West and Mayors Brad Henderson of Saint Andrews, Allan MacEachern of St. Stephen, and John Craig of Eastern Charlotte were in studio for the telethon along with the entire Santa's Helpers Board of Directors. 

Those who apply to the Santa's Helpers program to receive help are recipients of gift cards to do their own holiday shopping at the Atlantic Superstore, Canadian Tire and Giant Tiger. Parents will be able to pick out the holiday food items and presents that best suit their children and families. 

For over half a century, Santa's Helpers has been an important community-wide charity drive in Southwest New Brunswick. It was originally a radio program but has been a highly anticipated televised event on CHCO for the past four years.