Bringing Telethon to the Goldfields

Published: Monday, 3 February 2020 at 11:07:33 AM

The Shire of Coolgardie is partnering with Channel 7 Telethon to facilitate bringing the iconic Western Australian fundraising event to the Goldfields.

The Shire will host the Children of the Red Earth Gala Ball for Telethon on Friday 23 October 2020. This will be the first Telethon event of its size in the Goldfields Esperance Region.  The event aims to fundraise as much money as possible for Telethon – an organisation committed to ensuring a better life for kids in WA. Since 1986, Telethon has raised over $349million for children across the state helping treat life threatening diseases as well as provide equipment, resources and critical services.

Shire President, Malcolm Cullen said the Shire of Coolgardie’s generous community spirit makes it an ideal regional partner for the fundraiser event.

“The Children of the Red Earth Gala Ball will be a first for Telethon and the Goldfields region. Telethon is a fantastic organisation and we are thrilled to support the cause,” said Mr Cullen.  

“The Shire’s CEO, James Trail, conceptualised and developed this event for presentation to Telethon. His strategic partnerships and hard work established the partnership between the Shire and Telethon.”  

“Through this event, we hope to raise awareness of regional children’s health and well-being needs as children in regional areas face different challenges to those in metropolitan hubs. Children living in the Goldfields are considered more developmentally vulnerable than the national average, and youth suicide rates (15-24 years) are significantly higher than the State average1.”

“Channel 7 Perth’s Telethon is the highest fundraising Telethon (per capita) in the world. The Shire is grateful for the opportunity to participate this year and we hope we can break some fundraising records!”

The Shire of Coolgardie will be reaching out to community, government and industry partners to invite them to participate in the mammoth fundraising event. In addition to fundraising for Telethon, in partnership with key stakeholders such as local mining companies and neighbouring local governments, a percentage of funds will also be distributed to regional not-for-profit organisations servicing children and youth.  

For media enquiries, please contact: James Trail CEO Shire of Coolgardie P: 0407 085 571   E: [email protected]

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