Naval reservists volunteer for Variety Show of Hearts telethon

Left to right, LS Jason Rupke, Lt(N) Peggy Kulmala and SLt Devin McCormick take pledges at the Heroes Panel phone lines.

For 47 years, television viewers have tuned in to watch the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon showcasing internationally renowned entertainers.

Last weekend, viewers also saw 10 Canadian naval reservists from Victoria’s HMCS Malahat and Vancouver’s HMCS Discovery sitting on the telethon’s Heroes Panel taking pledges on the phone in Coquitlam B.C.

“While on the phone, we had a chance to talk to donors and hear their stories,” said Malahat public affairs officer, Lt(N) Peggy Kulmala. “I was humbled to not only receive thanks for what we did supporting children with special needs in B.C., but thanks for my service to Canada and Canadians.” 

The request for naval reserve involvement stemmed from Malahat’s longstanding support to Variety’s Boat for Hope in Victoria.
Malahat has been supporting this community event since its inception in Victoria eight years ago.

Boats For Hope is held on the first Saturday in June. Each year, more than 250 children, many with special needs, and their siblings and parents have embarked on boats of all shapes and sizes from Malahat jetties for a fun-filled tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

-Shelley Lipke, Staff Writer