It has been running for 37 years and this weekend the OSNS telethon will once again help children with developmental delays in the south Okanagan and Similkameen.  The Share-a-Smile Telethon supports the OSNS (Okanagan Similkameen Neurological Society) Child and Youth Development Centre in Penticton.

The centre includes specialists in speech language pathology as well as physiotherapy to help children learn to walk, climb and coordinate movements.  It also includes occupational therapy to teach kids basic life skills, such as eating and dressing themselves.  The centre also offers an autism treatment program.

READ MORE: Small additions make large impact for kids at Penticton development centre

Willms says the annual telethon has two goals.  “One is to raise money for the centre,  the other is to just help people know about us and advocate for compassionate communities.”

Last year, the telethon raised $50,000.

It’s hoped this year’s fundraiser tops that amount.  The centre helps around 1,200 children every year.

The telethon starts at noon on Sunday and goes until 5 p.m. It will broadcast on Shaw TV (Channel 11). For more information on the telethon or how to donate go to the OSNS website.