Canadian telethons raise $20M for Haiti relief

Last Updated: Monday, January 25, 2010 | 6:06 PM ET

CBC News

Musician K'naan performs Wavin' Flag at the Canada for Haiti benefit. (CBC)

Funds raised in Canada this weekend to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti now top $20 million.

The English-language telethon Canada for Haiti raised more than $13.5 million by Monday, while the francophone telethon raised $6.7 million.

With matching federal contributions, officials say more than $40 million has been raised.

Stars such as James Cameron, Céline Dion, Michael J. Fox, Joshua Jackson and Sandra Oh made videotaped appeals for help for Haiti, which was struck by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12.

Nelly Furtado, the Tragically Hip, K'naan and Metric gave musical performances as phone lines jammed with Canadians eager to donate.

Organizers say an average of 2.4 million Canadians watched the anglophone telethon, which was broadcast on CBC, CTV, Global, MTV, MuchMusic, Citytv and National Geographic Channel on Friday.

Canadians can continue to donate until Feb. 12, online at CanadaForHaiti.com or by phone at 1-877-51-HAITI.

With files from The Canadian Press

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