This December, Mexico gears up for the much-anticipated Telethon 2024, aiming to unite the nation under the banner of inclusion and generosity. With its 27th edition scheduled for December 14, the campaign is set to surpass last year’s fundraising total of 415 million pesos, and the goal this year is to reach at least one peso more than last year. The Telethon has become synonymous with support for children battling disabilities, cancer, and autism, reflecting years of collective effort since its inception in 1997.
The Telethon’s director, Eduardo Gama Abuasale, emphasized the importance of surpassing the fundraising milestone, stating, "We aim to raise beyond 415 million pesos," which aims to transform lives across the country. With 26 rehabilitation centers built nationwide through previous campaigns, this upcoming event promises to mark the beginning of the 27th center if successful.
Activities for the Telethon day will kick off early, with programs starting at 9:00 a.m. at various locations, including CRIT centers, culminating with the main broadcast from the Forum Teletón. The day will be filled with family-oriented events, including interactive experiences for children where they can role-play as doctors, firefighters, or therapists, fostering early learning and inclusion.
The Naranjeros de Hermosillo baseball team has also been actively involved, launching special commemorative jerseys for the game against the Cañeros de Los Mochis. During this press conference, Marisol Lomelí, director of CRIT Sonora, announced how the jerseys reflect not just team spirit but also the cause, featuring symbols like Braille and sign language to represent various disabilities. This year’s design is particularly inclusive, with multi-colored buttons signifying different disabilities.
Irvine López, the second baseman for the team, has committed to contributing his game spikes to be decorated by children from the CRIT, symbolizing their involvement not just as beneficiaries but as active participants. Lopes remarked about the tradition of supporting the Telethon, saying, "Each donation is important to change lives." This sentiment resonates deeply within the culture built around the Telethon.
Most of the funds raised through activities like the jersey sales will directly support the Telethon’s efforts to help children requiring medical care, rehabilitation, and therapy. The jerseys will be available at various outlets, including the team’s official stores, ensuring accessibility for all fans and supporters.
Looking to make this Telethon even more impactful, organizers are emphasizing community involvement through unique initiatives leading up to the event, such as the 'Reciclatón,' where companies pledge donations based on the amount of recyclable waste collected, and 'Mapatón,' which encourages mapping accessible locations across the country.
With the tagline "Todos somos Teletón" (We are all Telethon), the campaign encourages participation from all sectors of society, highlighting the importance of solidarity and active support. The variety of ways to donate - be it through mobile apps, local banks, or other community engagement methods - aims to make it easier for individuals to contribute to the cause.
Throughout the day of the Telethon, renowned Mexican celebrities and entertainers will gather to support the cause, hosting various television segments, engaging audiences, and appealing for donations. Despite the occasional challenges, the Telethon continues to draw large viewer engagement, proving its significance and effectiveness as a charitable event.
Notably, students and faculty from Conalep have joined efforts to support Telethon 2024 through their annual 'Boteo' campaign, which expands participation among youth and encourages ethics, generosity, and community consciousness. Last year, nearly 1,900 participants were involved, and this year’s numbers continue to grow. Their director, Rodrigo Rojas Navarrete, expressed pride at these efforts and the shared values they instill among students.
The culmination of this event will take place at the Aztlán Urban Park, where the final efforts to reach the fundraising goal will take place, supported by all involved. The Telethon has consistently highlighted the call to action for supports, with every peso counting toward improving and saving lives.
With the success of previous Telethons, which collectively provided support to over 820,000 individuals through their rehabilitation centers, the stakes have never been higher. This year’s campaign reflects the intertwined aspirations of communities, challenges overcome by those with disabilities, and the philanthropic spirit alive and thriving across Mexico.
Telethon 2024 is not just another event on the calendar; it is a beacon of hope, resilience, and community impact—a reminder of what can be accomplished when we come together for the greater good. With great anticipation, the nation awaits the results of the campaign, each twist and turn filling it with emotion and purpose, aiming toward collective achievement.