The Annual Community Telethon (ACT) is one of Kitimat's longest-running community fundraising traditions. Each October, residents, businesses, industry, performers and volunteers come together to raise funds that support local organizations and programs through the Kitimat Community Foundation.
From Telethon to Community Foundation
The Telethon's fundraising efforts laid the groundwork for the Kitimat Community Foundation, established in 2011 to build on the work of the former Annual Community Telethon Society.
Today, the Foundation continues this tradition of community giving, with funds raised through the Telethon helping support its broader work of providing grants to local organizations and initiatives.
Explore the local organizations, programs and projects supported over the years.
2026 ACT
The 47th Annual Community Telethon was a great success, raising an incredible $87,590 in 2026!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, performed, sponsored, or helped make this year's event possible.
Your continued generosity helps the Kitimat Community Foundation support local organizations, programs, and initiatives.
Get Involved
The Annual Community Telethon brings together performers, local vendors and volunteers who help make this community tradition possible.
Interested in participating? Whether you'd like to perform, apply as a vendor, join a phone panel or volunteer in another capacity, there are many ways to get involved.
Registration links will be available closer to the Telethon.
For questions about participating, other volunteer opportunities or anything related to the Telethon, contact the ACT Committee at kitimatact@gmail.com
Join us for another year of community giving in support of Kitimat. Event announcements, entertainment schedules and fundraising updates will be shared as details become available.
Follow the Telethon
For photos and highlights from past Telethons, along with announcements and updates about upcoming events, visit the Annual Community Telethon's Facebook and Instagram pages.
History of the Telethon
Originally known as the Aluminum City Telethon, the event traces its beginnings to 1979, when the possible closure of Kitimat's Child Development Centre prompted residents and service clubs to organize a fundraiser to help keep its services running.
The first Telethon took place in 1980 in the Mount Elizabeth Secondary School gymnasium, beginning a tradition that has continued for more than four decades.
Over the years, generations of Kitimat residents have taken part, whether performing on stage, answering phones, volunteering behind the scenes or proudly bringing their donations forward as children.
For 25 years, from 1980 to 2004, Doug Smith was the familiar face and voice of the event, helping shape the warmth and community spirit that continue today.
Kit the Fox, Kitimat's community mascot since 1984, has also been a familiar presence at the Telethon, bringing a little extra fun for families and children.
While the event has evolved over the decades, its original purpose of bringing people together to support their community remains at its heart.
ACT Photos
