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updated 1:45 p.m. ET March 1, 2006

TORONTO - Olympic gold medalists Joey Cheek and Clara Hughes have helped spur a wave of donations to Right to Play, a charity that helps children in impoverished, war-torn areas.

Cheek donated $40,000 to the Toronto-based organization after winning two medals. Hughes, the Canadian speedskating champion in the 5,000 meters, followed his lead and announced her plans to donate $10,000 after her win.

The net result? The Canadian arm of the organization has received $70,000 in pledges since the weekend. The U.S. public has donated about $350,000.

“Our phones are ringing off the hook,” said Warren Spires, the group’s Canadian director.