Sydney breakfast listeners will wake up to a different kind of mission this Friday, with 2GB partnering with the Starlight Children’s Foundation for a good cause – special all day Christmas radiothon on 21 November.
The 2GB Starlight Radiothon has a clear motive, raising 100,000 dollars to help Starlight deliver joy, laughter and hope to seriously ill children and their families during the festive season.
From 5.30am to 6.00pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time, 2GB will hand its entire broadcast day over to the appeal, with every show rallying listeners to donate and sharing stories from families who rely on Starlight support.
The voices in the Radiothon will be Ben Fordham (Breakfast), Mark Levy (Mornings), Michael McLaren (Afternoons), and Clinton Maynard (Sydney Now), as they share inspiring stories to drive donations.
Special guests and ambassadors will also lend their profile to the cause, including sporting names Kieran Perkins, Mark Geyer and Sam Thaiday, who will appear both on air and in the call centre to help drive momentum.
“This is especially important at Christmas.”
Starlight Children’s Foundation chief executive Louise Baxter said the partnership will help brighten an especially tough time of year for children in hospital.
“Thank you to 2GB and your loyal listeners for helping brighten the lives of seriously ill children. When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, their world is turned upside down.
“They’re separated from all which is familiar – family, friends, and the comfort of home, when everyone is together enjoying the festive season. That’s where Starlight steps in.
“Through Captain Starlight and Wishgranting, Starlight helps children and families create moments of joy, laughter, and hope. We give back the magic of childhood and create memories that last a lifetime.”
Starlight programs reach children in hospitals around the country, offering distraction, play and positive experiences that sit alongside medical care.
Nine Radio managing director and Starlight New South Wales State Advisory Board member Tom Malone said the radiothon is a natural fit for the station and its audience.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Starlight to help spread joy, fun and laughter to sick kids. The work of Starlight is incredibly important as happier patients are more resilient and often lead to better health outcomes, not to mention, everyone loves a visit from Captain Starlight!”