For the third year in a row, the Channel Nine Telethon has harnessed the generous spirit of Queenslanders towards a very special cause – sick kids.
An incredible final tally of $12,248,590 was announced to help the Children’s Hospital Foundation support kids by funding life-saving medical research, purchasing vital equipment and providing patient and family support programs.
Wonderful donations were announced by the presenting partners of the telethon, including the single largest donation ever received by the Children’s Hospital Foundation: $6,165,709 provided by Woolworths staff and customers. Other great donations were accepted from Golden Casket ($1.1 million), the Queensland Government ($1 million), BOQ ($232,000) and The Coffee Club ($200,000).
The Queensland Centre for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health, based at the Nundah Cottages, also benefited from an amazing renovation. Thanks to the generosity of Queenslanders, Triple M’s Marto’s Army and ex-Blockheads Ayden and Jess Hogan and Michael and Carlene Duffy have refurbished the facility and built a sensory garden. More than $382,113 worth of building supplies, landscaping materials and labour were kindly donated by local tradesmen and businesses to help make a difference to the lives of Queensland kids and their families.
Corporate donations were received from Steggles ($251,151), Australian Firefighters Calendar ($175,000), ALH Group ($173,500), AMIEU ($167,800), Big W ($165,300), Event Hospitality and Entertainment ($131,717).
Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO, Cameron Prout, said the third annual Channel Nine Telethon was a huge success.
“Thank you to all Queenslanders for donating over $12million to help sick kids at this year’s Channel Nine Telethon for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, he said.
“The telethon was a very special way of sharing many stories of our kids and their families who are battling devastating childhood illness and injury – their amazing bravery was remarkable and they certainly were the stars of the show.”
“Queenslanders have well and truly come together to help a very special cause – our kids.”
Funds raised from the telethon will go towards the Children’s Hospital Foundation to fund life-saving research and specialised medical equipment, and provide the highest level of care for sick kids and their families.
Channel Nine Queensland Managing Director, Kylie Blucher, said:
“Tonight the generosity of Queenslanders has truly overwhelmed me. We are thrilled to have blown past our initial target of $11 Million to hit $12,248,590. The money raised will change the lives of children across our State and provide comfort and support for those families who really need it.
“Special thanks to our telecast partners and sponsors. With your help we have not have been able to reach, let alone break, our goal.
“To the entire Channel Nine team, thank you for your tireless effort in making tonight happen. We will be back next year even bigger and better, and ready to smash tonight’s mammoth result.”
The Channel Nine Telethon was broadcast live from the Royal International Convention Centre and relayed regionally via the Southern Cross Television Network.
Nine Network hosts Richard Wilkins, Sonia Kruger, Tim Gilbert and Shelley Craft worked alongside Nine News Queensland presenter Melissa Downes and Triple M’s Greg ‘Marty’ Martin and to encourage donations throughout the night.
