WIKWEMIKONG—The stars came out to shine at the Wikwemikong band council chambers for the Wiky TV5 26th Annual Christmas Telethon on Saturday, December 13. From noon until 6 pm some of the finest musical talent on Manitoulin donated their time to help make the day a stellar success.
Veteran emcee Chris Pheasant helped keep the zhooniyaa flowing as volunteers manned the telephones collecting pledges while WikyTV 5 stalwart Gordie Odjig and his crew live-streamed the performances online and over the Wikwemikong community channel. And flow it did, as the telethon raised $1,827.40 towards the LDM bursary program for those seeking to return to school to learn a trade.
“It was another successful event,” said Mr. Odjig. “People came out from across the Island to help out. That’s what it is all about, we get together as communities, have a little fun and raise some money for a good cause.”
He pointed out that community members who are living in cities across the country tune in on the Internet to get a little taste of home. “Community members in Calgary and Toronto miss home, especially at this time of year,” he said. “They check in from Thunder Bay and Manitoba, all over.”
The telethon had a $5 admission, but people could opt to make a donation of a non-perishable good instead. “The food donations go to the Wiky Family Centre for the food bank,” he said.
Performers at the telethon were show openers Elijah & The Boys, who also performed a number of times throughout the day including the closing song. They were followed by performers including: Santana Jackson, Shanna Peltier, Robbie Shawana and friends (including K-boy), Brooklyn Pheasant, The Wiky Boyz, Taylr Trudeau, Lynette and Meredith, The Champ, Faith Desmoulin, Casey Odjig, Damien Thibideau Band, Henry Pitawanakwat and Evelyn, Dave Southwood, M. Manitowabi, Brian Cash, Dominic Odjig, Leslie Neshikwe and Roger Daybutch.
