Telethon fundraiser is fun for the family

Doopa dog, Fat Cat and a whole load of family fun will be at the Bunbury Forum Shopping Centre this weekend for the annual Telethon fundraiser.

Bunbury Forum Shopping Centre has hosted the regional Telethon event since 2001, making this year its 13th consecutive year.

Centre manager Vern Merchant encouraged the community to come and enjoy the fun.

“We are looking forward to hosting the Telethon event,” he said.

“It is a fun day out with a great community atmosphere.”

Since 2001, the Bunbury Forum, with help from the public, has raised almost $500,000 for Telethon through donations and its family fun day event.

This year, the shopping centre hopes to raise more than $50,000, for the children of Western Australia.

Mr Merchant said the event highlighted the importance of healthcare in the South West.

“It’s a real community day. Retailers and customers get involved in promoting Telethon and helping sick children across the State,” he said.

“No matter how big or how small a donation is, it all goes towards the big total.”

The Telethon family fun day will be held at the Bunbury Forum this Sunday between 10am and 4pm.

There will be face painting, balloon artists, bouncy castles, a sausage sizzle, a magician, Boogie Roos and a kids fun station.

Stars from Channel 7 will also make an appearance on stage at 1pm.

Mr Merchant urged Greater Bunbury residents to dig deep to help raise money for Telethon.

“It’s not about how much, it’s just about being involved,” he said.

“The day affects businesses, mums, dads and families and that’s what the shopping centre is about.”