Creative Communications student Daniella Ponticelli and Hannah, a dog who had to have a leg amputated and an eye removed before being adopted.

Students from Red River College’s Creative Communications program are putting their talents to good use in support of the Winnipeg Humane Society this weekend.

On Sunday, March 18, 2012, CreComm students will produce and host the “IAMS 1001 Donations” telethon, airing live on Shaw TV from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The second-year students — representing all four streams of the CreComm program (journalism, advertising, public relations and broadcasting) — have already produced a series of pre-recorded pieces that will air during the telethon, and will also serve as technical crew and on-air talent while broadcasting live from the Humane Society on Sunday.

“Our students are extremely talented, and this telethon will give them a well-deserved opportunity to showcase those talents and help a great cause at the same time,” says CreComm instructor Joanne Kelly, a former Shaw TV producer and on-air personality.

“We are always looking for opportunities for the students to gain real-life experience so they will be that much more prepared for the workforce upon graduation. This telethon also helps teach them the value of being connected to your community, and how important it is to give back.”

Red River College is a proud sponsor of the telethon, which is open to the public and will feature appearances from such special guests as Mayor Sam Katz and Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce.

“We’re very impressed by the work that CreComm students do, and we’re excited to have them here on Sunday,” says Hannah Pratt, Communications Coordinator at the Winnipeg Humane Society (and herself a former CreComm student). “We know the telethon and the animals who need to be adopted are in good hands.”

To make a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society, tune in during the telethon and follow the call-in instructions, or simply visit www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca.

For more information on the telethon, contact Joanne Kelly at jmkelly@rrc.mb.ca.