24 November 2021
Perth Telethon 2021 debut - Raising money for sick kids
Telethon 2021 helps sick kids to the tune of $62 million.
Some 54 years ago a little fundraiser to help raise money for sick kids was launched in WA. Today it has become a national treasure raising vital funds to help support 65 charities around the state.
The annual event is a cornerstone of the community in WA and plays a vital role in improving critical health and wellbeing services for children.
This year, West Australians opened their hearts and their wallets and smashed last year’s record of $43.6 million. All up an astounding amount of $62 million was raised for WA’s sickest children — bringing the total raised since 1967 to $400 million.
From philanthropists donating huge sums to children donating pocket money, everyone, every year chips in with great passion and determination to help.
For 26 hours straight the entertainment and the money rolled on.
During the broadcast, NRMA Insurance announced its arrival in Western Australia with the establishment of the largest call centre in the country, right in the heart of West Perth, creating 147 jobs -bringing the total number of local staff to 800.
From Broome to Esperance, the call centre staff embodied the true spirit of the Telethon, kicking off proceedings a week prior to the charity drive with their own fundraising party to increase awareness and raise funds for sick children in WA.
This led to NRMA Insurance donating $200,000 on the first night of the record-breaking drive.
Thank you to all who raised money, every cent helps.
The highlight for many was on day two of the Telethon with a team of celebrities featuring sports stars Alicia Molik, Nat Medhurst, Bryce Cotton, Damian Martin and Brad Hogg who rolled up their sleeves and competed in a wheelchair basketball contest during the ‘Telethon Family Festival’.
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Again, the staff from the Perth-based call centre filled the stands and created an incredible atmosphere while another $50,000 was donated by NRMA Insurance to the winning team with a final gesture, in the closing hours adding a further $250,000 – bringing the total to $500, 000 for this incredible W.A initiative -all in the name of Help.
Although the NRMA is new to WA, we’ve been helping Australians across the country for over 95 years. We’re excited to be a part of Telethon and the WA community.
And while some of WA’s most popular sports stars, TV personalities and music icons were doing their bit to support Telethon, there was no doubt that 2021 Little Telethon Stars Oliver Lim and Lucy Antipas stole the show.
Ollie looked sharp for the occasion and couldn’t hide his delight at being involved in the 26-hour extravaganza.
I was thrust into a whirlwind of acts and performances, I loved every second of it,
No one could deny the success of this year’s Telethon, setting a new record for funds raised for the 12th consecutive year.
And no one’s doubting the event will return even bigger and better next year, aiming to set a new record yet again.
NRMA Insurance home, motor and business policies are now available to purchase for customers in WA and SA. Policies for boat, motorhome, caravan, trailer, motorcycle and classic insurances will be available from November 29.
