The 24th annual Corus Radiothon in support of Stollery Children’s Hospital raised $1,819,526 Thursday and Friday.
Since 2000, the radiothon had raised a total of more than $29 million. This year, Corus radio stations and Global News worked again to increase that number.
“After a two-year pandemic pause, we’re thrilled to be returning to the hospital lobby for our 24th annual Corus Radiothon,” said Megan Wenger with the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
On Thursday and Friday, the two-day fundraiser saw families from Edmonton to Grande Prairie, and from Okotoks to Slave Lake sharing their Stollery stories.
LISTEN: Stollery kid Amélie was rushed to the Stollery Children’s Hospital from Red Deer when she accidentally swallowed a battery
“We are looking forward to having more than 40 Stollery families from backyards across Alberta join us throughout the broadcast, along with several medical professionals who are there, caring for our kids when they need them most,” said Wenger.
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen just how important it is to care for our kids,” she said.
“Between a worldwide pandemic to the recent surge in respiratory illnesses, we need to come together now and invest in children’s health for kids tomorrow and today.”
There were 17 power hours over the two days, during which the foundation was aiming for 20 people to sign up to be monthly donors.
On Thursday, there were also two super power hours where the goal is to have 30 people commit to being monthly donors.
If those goals were met, the hour’s sponsor pledged to donate $10,000, $15,000 or $30,000, depending on what commitment was given.
LISTEN: Dr. Joseph Atallah describes what it’s like working with world-class medical professionals at the Stollery Children’s Hospital
In one year, a monthly donation of $20 could fund a week of pet therapy or art therapy supplies.
“Monthly giving is a great way to make a big impact, over a longer period of time,” said Wenger.
“A $20-a-month donation allows the foundation to plan for the unexpected and direct your donation to where it will have the biggest impact on the most families at the hospital.”
But if that’s not feasible, any monetary donation is appreciated by the foundation.
CISN Country 103.9 broadcasted live all day Thursday and 630 CHED joined Friday at 5:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Global Edmonton continued to share Stollery stories until the phone lines closed at 7 p.m.
To donate, call 780-407-KIDS (5437) or visit stollerykids.com