The 31st annual IWK Telethon has raised a record-breaking $6,270,346.07.

Maritimers once again opened their hearts and their wallets during the telethon, which aired on CTV Atlantic from 7 p.m. Saturday until 6 p.m. Sunday.

“This weekend would not have been possible without the support of our donors and volunteers from all three Maritime provinces, who give their time and hearts to this cause,” said Jennifer Gillivan, president and CEO of the IWK Foundation.

CTV News at 5 cohost Maria Panopalis hosted part of this year’s telethon. She’s on maternity leave with a three-month-old daughter, and says she has a fresh take on the importance of the Maritimes’ only children’s hospital.

“I saw firsthand how important and how special this place is, not just for me, not just for my baby, but for everybody,” she said.

Funds raised for the IWK Foundation will be used to purchase vital equipment and to fund research at the facility.

“This was my first telethon and it was an amazing experience,” said Tracy Kitch, president and CEO of the IWK Health Centre. “Thanks to the generosity of Maritime donors, this year’s telethon allows us to purchase urgently needed, state-of-the-art equipment for the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units at the IWK.”

This year’s priority equipment includes new Bili-Blankets, which help treat newborn jaundice through phototherapy, and a BIS Monitor that measures a patient’s level of consciousness, helping to make the response to sedatives and anesthesia more predictable.

Donations can still be made to the IWK Foundation by calling 1-800-595-2266 or visiting the website.