Annual Report 2021

Y95/CJLS: A community radio station that believes in its community and in giving back

Pictured — Left: Eric Whynot. Right: Hartley Reede

Without our presenting sponsor Y95.5/CJLS Radio, there would be no WE CARE Radiothon. The radio station, a subsidiary of Acadia Broadcasting Ltd., has been an enthusiastic partner with Yarmouth Hospital Foundation since the launch of the WE CARE Radiothon in 2017.

“It’s amazing what happens when the community comes together,” said Eric Whynot, regional manager for Acadia Broadcasting and a member of the Radiothon Committee.

“To partner with the foundation on the radiothon — it’s a win for the foundation, it’s a win for the hospital, it’s a win for the community, and it’s also a win for the radio station.

“We don’t do it for the accolades,” Eric said. “We do it because it benefits the community — and that includes our staff — in a direct way.”

Hartley Reede, Y95 Program Director and a key on air personality during the radiothon, added that the staff love the opportunity to participate in raising money for equipment for Yarmouth Regional Hospital, talking to the medical staff, YHF officials, volunteers and donors and sharing the stories that come up on the day. “We’re the trusted voice that the people of the Tri-Counties look forward to hearing on a daily basis,” Hartley said. “So when we can deliver a message or an encouragement for our listeners to raise money, we’re the people who go to bat for that.”

Radiothon day means extra work for the staff due to the special technical requirements, and juggling schedules to fit in all of the required everyday broadcasting elements — news, weather, music, commercials, etc. — around the various interviews and updates associated with raising money for the hospital. Nonetheless, the Y95 staff are energized by the process and are always thrilled by the outcome. At the end of the day, when another successful radiothon announces a final total, a few tears of joy are shed, Eric admitted.

Y95’s support is not limited to the radiothon. For years it was a sponsor of the Spring Gala, last held in 2019, and is listed in the Leader category on the foundation’s Wall of Honour in the hospital lobby. Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is grateful to enjoy the wholehearted participation and support of Y95.