Telethon: Record 107 organisations, charities and good causes to benefit from the generosity of West Aussies

A record 107 organisations, charities and good causes will benefit this year from the generosity of West Australians who donated and raised money for Telethon.

The beneficiaries will deliver life-changing programs, equipment and carry out vital medical research into childhood diseases to ensure a better life for WA children now and in the future.

Last October’s record-breaking Telethon total of $71.4 million was almost $10 million more than the previous year’s windfall — itself a record.

Last year’s epic fundraising feat also saw the charity pass the $500 million milepost in cumulative funds raised since Telethon was established in 1968.

Telethon Trust chairman Richard Goyder said the staggering amount was a cause for all West Australians to “rejoice”.

He said last year’s achievement would fund 54 medical research projects, 127 programs and critical services and 548 pieces of vital equipment.

“The challenge is how do we make sure we continue that because the needs are always more than we can satisfy,” he said.

Mr Goyder acknowledged many West Australians were doing it tough, with cost-of-living increases and soaring mortgage rates, but he held no concerns about the ongoing generosity of the community.

“I have no concern about people digging deep and whatever their capacity is, doing what they can do to make a difference.,” he said.

“We’ve seen in the last few years, the contributions we get from individuals growing every year, and the numbers of people contributing, growing.”

Trust was at the heart of the community’s devotion to Telethon, Mr Goyder said.

“Telethon is a trusted brand. People trust us with their money and feel that it will be spent wisely for the benefit of WA kids.,” he said.

He said most West Aussies knew someone who had benefited from Telethon in the past.

“I think we all put ourselves in the position of what if it was us?” he said.

“And therefore how can we help? I reckon it makes us as a community much stronger.

“We’re building a philanthropic culture amongst our kids as well. We value $1 from any source, and we’re committed to ensuring that that all the money that’s raised goes to helping the kids of WA.”

The impact of Telethon on the health and well-being of children extends beyond WA and Australia.

“Some of the medical research that Fiona Stanley has done and other people have done over the years have impacted the lives of kids around the world, because of Telethon,” Mr Goyder said.