Colombian television celebrities, artists, comedians and well-known personalities will come together to raise money for charity in a 27-hour telethon Friday.
The annual event, which is in its 35th year, is aiming to raise more than $6M to build two large rehabilitation centers for disabled people in Cartagena and Soacha.
Colombian singers and artists Rakel, Santiago Cruz, Jorge Celedon, Juanes and Sebastian Yepes are among those taking part.
Last year’s telethon raised more than $5.18M. More than $1M went to a Red Cross rehabilitation center for disabled people in the Atlantic department.
The center will have physical, occupational and speech therapy, a gym and free health care. It also offers training in cookery, tailoring and other trades patients can use to make a living.
Telethon 2011 starts at 10PM Friday December 16 and finishes at 1AM Sunday December 18.
Donations can be made online at www.teleton.org.co, and in person at Success Group, Home Center, Falabella and Comcel stores, Baloto Via points and the Bank of Bogota.