Kingston, Jamaica — As the excitement builds for the upcoming I LOVE JAMAICA Telethon and Virtual Concert on November 23, many are asking a simple but important question: What exactly is a telethon, and how does it work?
A telethon is a live entertainment-driven broadcast, used internationally to raise funds for national causes. Jamaica will be using this model through the “I LOVE JAMAICA” Telethon and Virtual Concert which aims to raise funds for hurricane recovery. The telethon is part of a wider series of activities, including International Reggae Concerts – the I LOVE JAMAICA CONCERTS, being staged in major Jamaican Diaspora cities in North America and the UK. The target is to raise US$1M.
The initiative, led by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, in partnership with the entertainment Industry, Jamaica’s iconic and world renown beer Red Stripe and telecommunications giant Digicel, seeks to galvanize Jamaicans from across the globe, especially Jamaicans who want to, but have not found a way just yet to lend a helping hand. The Telethon gives them that opportunity. Every man, woman, boy and girl, can now participate, no matter how big or how small that contribution will be. For instance, Digicel will open its text line to its customers who can only afford to contribute $150. Other text lines will also be available to allow contributions of $1,000 and $5,000. Customers can text as many times as they wish.
Of course, several other options will be there to donate, including through the official donation website (www.supportjamaica.gov.jm).
“The word ‘telethon’ may be new to some Jamaicans, but the purpose is not,” Minister Grange said. “It is a coordinated national effort powered by community spirit and cultural energy. Every contribution helps our people rebuild. Every dollar raised will go towards hurricane relief.”
The I LOVE JAMAICA” Telethon and Virtual Concert will air live from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on CVM and TVJ, and will also be streamed across regional and international platforms. Donations can be made by calling 888-LOVEJAM (888-568-3526) or by visiting supportjamaica.gov.jm, the official Government relief website.
Minister Grange has charged the JCDC with the management of the project. She said that the team is up to the challenge, and has been fully engaged to manage the back-end operations, including donation processing. The programme will feature top Jamaican artistes along with a special interactive element to keep viewers connected throughout the broadcast. Confirmed performers include Tessanne Chin, Christopher Martin, Tarrus Riley, Tanya Stephens, Alaine, Jahshii, Kevin Downswell, and Chevelle Franklyn.
“We wanted the telethon to feel intimate and engaging” the Minister said. “So while performances are happening on stage, we will also have a dedicated phone bank staffed by familiar voices from entertainment, sports and media. People will be able to call in from anywhere in the world to make a donation, and they may be pleasantly surprised by the person who answers their call. It’s a chance for Jamaicans at home and abroad to contribute and connect in real time.”
