Home grown talent on show for Telethon 2020

Telethon is back for another year and will run over 2 huge days, October 24 and 25. The live shows will be hosted at Crown Theatre and broadcast both nights on Channel 7. There are limited tickets to the opening and closing shows still available for purchase.

Since 1968, Telethon, along with the unwavering support of West Australians, has raised more than $306 million for the children of WA. All money raised goes towards medical research into childhood diseases, practical support services and equipment for sick and disabled children, and bountiful well-deserving beneficiaries including Ability Centre, Camp Quality, Perth Children’s Hospital, Wheels for Hope and many more.

This years Telethon event will see both a new venue and new format as Seven West Media change things up to manage challenges presented by Covid-19. Hundreds of children and families remain affected by disability and illness, so the fundraiser will go ahead by whatever means it can. Telethon Chairman, Richard Goyder, says the changes came reluctantly but were more than necessary in order for the weekend to proceed. Many of Telethon’s beneficiaries are also doing it even tougher due to the present global situation, meaning the support of West Australian’s is more important than ever.

However, on a positive note, the new set-up will provide more opportunities for local, home-grown West Australian talent to be showcased throughout the 2 day event. Big performances to look out for include Casey Donovan and the cast of hit musical “We Will Rock You”, as well as Ian Kenny from Perth band, Birds of Tokyo.

In addition to the live shows and performances, Telethon is also hosting a Family Festival on October 25 at Optus Stadium. Proudly presented by Coles, the festival promises to be a fun day out for the whole family featuring special guests, acts and performances, food trucks and carnival rides. Tickets can be purchased through the website.

Each year, 2 children, dubbed Little Telethon Stars, are selected to “represent the children of Western Australia who are helped as a result of the money raised by Telethon”. Every year these children steal our hearts and 2020 is certainly no exception! 7 year old Eamon Doak, and 5 year old Nora Holly are this years Little Telethon Stars. Both Eamon and Nora have been through more in their short lives than most adults could ever fathom, but equally take it all in their stride and with smiles on their faces. You will see them take centre stage at this years event and can read more about their incredible stories here.

Telethon relies solely on the donations and contributions of West Australians each year. If you are in a position to do so, you can donate via the online or by calling one of the many selfless volunteers answering calls throughout the weekend.  Alternatively, you can host fundraisers at any point during the year such as a dress up day at school, a morning tea at work, or even donate your day and ask friends and family to make a donation rather than give a gift on your birthday.

Similarly, Telethon is run by a vast group of extraordinary volunteers, without whom the event wouldn’t be possible. If you would like to be involved with Telethon and the fantastic work they do, simply head to their website.