For me, there’s only ever been one true Valentine: the Carl who played for the Whitecaps between 1979-1984.
Having said that, there is something worthwhile happening this weekend (note to every man in the world: Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday) that has a lot of heart — and absolutely zero price-gouging on flowers, chocolates or cheesy Hallmark cards.
It’s the 46th annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon.
OK, full disclosure: by day, I work as a producer for Global B.C., the station that televises said telethon. But this isn’t about me. Or Global. It’s about one of Canada’s biggest fundraisers for Variety — the Children’s Charity.
Yes, it’s for the kids.
“(The telethon raises) millions of dollars for children across B.C. every year, bringing together an incredibly dedicated group of people who volunteer their time to make this weekend happen,” says Variety’s executive director Barbara Hislop. “(It’s) also an opportunity to share these children’s stories with so many viewers and show them the difference they can make.”
The telethon boasts 23 hours of concerts and performances — Michael Bublé: Caught in the Act; VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul, featuring Jennifer Hudson, Mark J. Blige and Kelly Clarkson; Mariah Carey: The Adventures of Mimi; Bryan Adams: Live at Slane Castle; Phil Collins: Going Back — Live from the Roseland Ballroom in NYC; and many more — as well as moving and inspirational stories about children in B.C. who have been helped by Variety.
The usual Global News suspects — Chris Gailus, Jill Krop, Deborra Hope, Sophie Lui, Steve Darling, Robin Gill and Wayne Cox — share hosting duties with Sesame Street host and fan favourite, Bob McGrath.
The Variety Show of Hearts on Global B.C. kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 12.
Visit variety.bc.ca for more information or to donate.
And don’t forget to call in.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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