OTTAWA – Kids and youth at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario were the center of attention this weekend at the 29th Annual CHEO Telethon

It was announced $6,448,260 was raised throughout the year through individual and corporate donations, special fundraising events, and funds collected by phone and on-line during the Telethon.

The telethon featured interviews with doctors and nurses as well as family and patients who rely on CHEO every day. 

Norma Lamont with the CHEO Foundation told 1310News you will also hear some courageous stories.

“(We) had some very real experiences with CHEO, and how they have coped, how the doctors, nurses, social workers, whatever, that work at CHEO have made a difference in their lives.”

Funds raised go towards new equipment, research, programs such as the Therapeutic Clowning Program, as well as things to help make a child’s stay at CHEO a little nice like videos and books.

Each year, the event surpasses the previous total raised, and in 2011, they topped $6.3 million.

Wholesale chain Costco was a huge player having donated $1.2 million, and Glebe High School students raised $15,000.

Over the past 28 years the community has showed how much they really care with over $84.5 million raised for the hospital.

Y101 personalities were also on hand presenting their check of $108, 104 that was raised during Thursday’s Radiothon.

There are many ways you can donate, for more information click here.