Betty Thompson (1934–1994) was a Canadian television presenter who spent most of her career at CKCO-TV in Kitchener, Ontario. She was seen throughout Canada as host of CTV's version of Romper Room, a children's programme produced at CKCO's studios.
The annual Betty Thompson Golf Classic began in 1992 as a financial support for breast cancer education and research.[1] She would die from this disease in 1994, four years after diagnosis. During her lifetime, Thompson would contribute to many charitable and community causes, particularly in Kitchener and its region.[2] The causes included Oktoberfest and Big Sisters.[3]
During the four years she suffered from cancer, she openly discussed her disease, and was an advocate for its treatment.[4][5] The Betty Thompson Youth Centre, which opened in 1996[6][7][8] and has been run by Lutherwood since late 2000,[9] is named after her.[10]
Career
Betty began her career at CKCO in 1956, following graduation from Ryerson. Initially she was hired to write commercials which were performed live. After leaving the station for a teaching career, she returned in 1971.[11] In 1972-1975 she became the first host of national edition of Romper Room as "Miss Betty" airing on the CTV Television Network,[12] she returned in 1992 for a 20th anniversary special.[13] She also hosted other shows such as Ladies First, The Flower Spot, Be My Guest,[14]Tempo Ontario, Betty and Friends, numerous magazine shows,[15] parades,[16] and appeared at the Canadian National Exhibition.[17] In 1992 she became the station's community relations coordinator.[18]
^Shaw, Ted (18 March 1992). "Magic mirror on learning : Romper Room marks 20 years of "do bees' and "don't bees'". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. p. C12.
^Riches, Hester (18 March 1992). "Children's programming takes a creative turn". The Vancouver Sun. p. C7.
^Shaw, Ted (28 April 1987). "Of swansongs, round robins and war toys". Windsor Star. p. D7.
^Malleck, Bonnie (13 April 1994). "CBC interviews focus on family, fertility: Loss and grieving explored with compassion". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. p. E2.
^"This week's specials". Toronto Star. 23 June 1979. p. 20. 125th Anniversary Parade - Bill Inkol and Betty Thompson host the city of Kitchener's 125th anniversary parade.
^"Today's events at CNE". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. 25 August 1982. p. 5.
^Hoffman, Susan (8 July 2000). "Youth, women benefited from Thompson's vision". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. p. A18.
^Denney, Frances L. (12 March 1991). "Mayor's Dinner aids worthy causes". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. p. D2.
^Crone, Greg (20 December 1991). "Broadcaster to receive title, Citizen of Year". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. p. B1.
^Terol, Marg (24 January 1992). "Friends and fans say thanks to Citizen of Year". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. p. B1.
