Masset and Old Massett are gearing up for their biggest fundraising event of the year, the Masset-Haida Lions telethon, to be held Nov. 29.Bret Johnston, chair of the telethon organizing committee, said the very generous community raises between $20,000 and $25,000 every year and he expects this year will be no different. Even the turbulent economic times won't make a dent in the north end's sharing spirit, he said."The two Massets, per capita, donate more than anywhere else in North America," he said. "And I think that when times get tough, people give even more."For the past two years, the Lions have decided that almost all money raised at the telethon will stay in the community, with most of it going to the hospital, Mr. Johnston said. They send about $2,000 to the Easter Seal House in Vancouver, and the rest remains."Basically, the folks at the hospital make a wish list," he said, and the Lions see what they can do to make those wishes come true.For the new hospital, the Lions just bought eight 32-inch flat screen TVs, he said. They have also bought IV pumps and other medical equipment.The telethon starts at 9 am and will continue on throughout the day and into the night, wrapping up at about 2 or 3 am, Mr. Johnston said. Donations are welcome - please contact Jack Thorgeirson at 626-3671 about your donation, or any member of the Lions Club.