Press release: October 2nd, 2024
Everything old is new again
Pictou County Christmas Fund marking 50th anniversary with a return to the past
By Jackie Jardine
The Pictou County Christmas Fund is BACK for its 50th YEAR!
The annual telethon is a long-standing holiday tradition in Pictou County that was started to raise funds to provide a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings to local families in need. This year is no exception and, after changes that had to be made due to Covid-19, viewers and listeners will see the show format largely returned to how it was in the past.
This milestone year is a real celebration: It marks a return to the deCoste Centre theatre which has recently been re-opened after undergoing extensive renovations. Entertainers will return to the familiar deCoste stage again and audience members can return to the seats to enjoy the show and make donations in person.
The November 24 production will also be a hybrid show, featuring live entertainment as well as the virtual segments. The telethon will be broadcast on Eastlink Community TV, 1-6 p.m. In addition to watching the show on EastLink, audio streaming will once again be made available online at: pictoucountychristmasfund.ca, thanks to Lucas Technology & Analytics. 94.1 The Breeze will also be providing reports throughout the day.
“Expect a big lineup,” promises Ann MacGregor who secures the entertainment lineup for the telethon. “Plus, we’ll be featuring current and former volunteers sharing memories from the last 50 years.”
Lots of work has been going on behind the scenes to get ready for the annual telethon. Everything from lining up entertainment to arranging pledge readers, volunteers to manage the phone lines, securing corporate donations and everything in between.
Committee members have not set a financial goal. “Our goal as always is to raise as much money as possible for anyone in our community needing a little extra support during the holiday season,” says Monique Sobey, chair. Last year, just over $80,000 was distributed, helping to provide Christmas dinner to local families.
Pledges can be made live during the show again this year, by phoning in to the telethon. A phone number will be announced at a later date.
This year will also mark the return of registering for assistance from the Fund. This can now be done online by visiting pictoucountychristmasfund.ca or by filling out a paper form which will be available at all Pictou County Library locations. Deadline to register for assistance – whether online or by application form – is November 29. Keep an eye on the Pictou County Christmas Fund Facebook page and website for updates.
Questions about registration can be emailed to: pccfregister@gmail.com.
In-person donations will also be accepted at the office of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County on MacGregor Street in New Glasgow, Atlantic Insurance on Provost Street in New Glasgow, as well as at any bank in Pictou County or the Credit Union in New Glasgow.
Donations are also being accepted anytime online at: www.canadahelps.org/ search Pictou County Christmas Fund or look for the link on the organization’s website.
The mandate of the PCCF is to help families in need over Christmas and to make their holiday a little brighter.
Pictou County Christmas Fund members Jeff Nauffts, treasurer, left, Monique Sobey, centre, chair, and Tiffany Green review plans for this year’s telethon which will mark the 50th anniversary of the event. The show is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 24, at the deCoste centre.