Editorial: Why Telethon makes West Aussies so proud

The arrival of COVID-19 dealt a major blow to many aspects of life in WA.

Yet through it all, WA’s favourite fundraiser, Telethon, found a way to go on. Telethon raised a record $62 million last year — $16 million more than in 2020 — and this success has enabled the trustees of the uniquely West Australian fundraiser to help more groups who help children and young people than ever before.

The pandemic hit charities and not-for-profit groups hard, amid economic uncertainty, the rising cost of living and the forced cancellation of many fundraising events.

Telethon saw a significant increase in both the number of organisations that sought funding and the number of grant applications received compared with the previous year.

But thanks to the big increase in funds raised last year, a record 97 organisations, charities and good causes will benefit this year from the generosity of West Australians who donated and raised money for Telethon.

Telethon chairman Richard Goyder said Telethon could support 50 per cent more beneficiaries and children’s charities in 2022.

“There is an ongoing and significant need in the not-for-profit charity sector and thanks to the generosity of WA, a large number of amazing grassroots children’s charities will receive Telethon funding to help transform the lives of our most vulnerable, disadvantaged and sick children,” he said.

“More than 200 different grants will be funded this year by Telethon and one of the key focus areas is child mental health with a range of programs, camps and research projects to receive funding to alleviate some of the issues being experienced by children and young families who require support and help in this area.

“We can all reflect proudly that Telethon truly symbolises our shared passion, common bond, and dedication to give generously,” Mr Goyder said.

The funds will be put to multiple uses.

Among organisations helping those in need is Lifeline. The Telethon-backed helpline started a new digital one-on-one service in November — a national first that filled a 11pm to 4am gap — and its WA crisis supporters have had more than 5000 text conversations or online chats with people around the nation since launch.

The Fiona Wood Foundation is funnelling funds raised from last year’s Telethon into high-tech scar treatment assessment and an information campaign to help burns patients cope with their trauma.

And a new research project at the Telethon Kids Institute’s Telethon Kids Cancer Centre aims to use sophisticated childhood cancer models to develop new cancer immunotherapies.

It is hoped scientists in Perth will find a way for kids with neuroblastoma to use their own immune system to fight the cancer.

The work of such beneficiaries provides just a few examples of the ways Telethon — thanks to the generosity of West Australians — helps those who need a hand.

Responsibility for the editorial comment is taken by WAN Editor-in-Chief Anthony De Ceglie