Editorial: Spirit of giving at heart of this great State

There’s a good reason that Telethon is the world’s most successful fundraising event of its kind.

In fact, there are 2.93 million of them. Because the success of Telethon hinges on the generosity of West Australians.

It’s the ordinary West Australians who pick up the phone to donate during the 26-hour broadcast. It’s the families who gather around their televisions to see their names scroll past on the list of donors.

It’s the kids who choose to give away their hard-earned pocket money to help children who aren’t as fortunate as themselves.

It’s the sporting clubs and community groups which host fundraising drives throughout the year in Telethon’s name.

It’s all because of you.

Community fundraisers this year drummed up more than $1m for the first time. Even during a cost-of-living crisis, big-hearted West Australians have dug deep like never before.

This year, Telethon’s 57th, was another record breaker, taking the the total amount raised since 1968 to more than $650 million.

And all of it goes to helping sick kids and their families through the toughest times of their lives. That’s why we do it.

Premier Roger Cook said it was typical of West Australians to give generously, even at a time when households were under financial pressure.

As the Prime Minister said when announcing the Federal Government’s donation of $6m: “Your generosity in this State is extraordinary.

“People are so generous, whether it’s giving their pocket money, or the money from the piggy bank, or whether it’s people who could afford more giving more, people are incredibly generous. They are incredible,” Anthony Albanese said.

“We know that cost-of-living pressures are impacting on all WA families, but they’re still giving,” Mr Cook said.

“That’s what I love. You know, when people donate their pocket money, when they just do that little bit more, you know, a lemonade store just to raise a little bit of money to make their contribution.”

One of the best parts of Telethon is the unifying effect it has on WA. It brings us all together, all across our enormous State.

Across all ages and all income levels, from families with just a little left over at the end of the week to our captains of industry, we give what we can. A key part of that is the support from our corporates, who have embraced Telethon so warmly.

Among this year’s biggest donors are the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, which pledged $8m, and mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto, which donated $5.5m apiece.

That wholehearted support from our corporates, as well as from ordinary West Aussies, is one of the things that sets Telethon apart from similar events across the country and around the world. These companies understand that to be part of WA is to be part of Telethon, too.

And their support has helped Telethon do a lot of good across the past six decades.

It’s helped fund lifesaving and life-changing research. It has paid for some of our brightest minds to make valuable medical breakthroughs.

It has helped fund support services for sick kids and their families and has bought important medical equipment.

This year, Telethon will support 136 beneficiaries, providing support to countless families and putting smiles on thousands of little faces.

Because that’s what Telethon is all about — bringing joy and promoting health for kids everywhere.