Telethon's Giving Celebration Reveals 147 Beneficiaries Making West Australian Kids' Lives Better
Claire Sadler reported on a heartwarming event where Telethon's Giving Celebration breakfast on Wednesday unveiled the 147 charities and 297 grants set to benefit from the record-breaking funds raised. The occasion was marked by emotional stories from families and children whose lives have been profoundly impacted by Telethon's support.
Inspiring Stories of Promise and Healing
Preeti Raghwami stood on the same stage four years ago, making a solemn promise to her daughter Ziya, who passed away from mitochondrial disease just before her second birthday. She vowed to change one life at a time. Now, with only months left until she graduates with a medical degree, Ms Raghwami is fulfilling that promise, aiming to support children facing similar challenges. Her eldest daughter, Mahi, expressed immense pride, stating her ambition to become a scientist and cure diseases, forming a dynamic duo with her mother.
The event also highlighted young George Olsen, a 12-year-old who read a poem at Telethon last year while battling cancer. Now six months cancer-free, George shared his journey through chemotherapy, emphasizing the resilience and hope that Telethon fosters. Similarly, 18-year-old Josh Patrick, inspired by caring for his sister Charlotte with multiple medical issues, is now studying medicine at the University of Western Australia to research conditions affecting young people.
Record-Breaking Funds and Community Impact
The 2025 Telethon raised an unprecedented $90.16 million, which will fund 199 programs, 3044 pieces of equipment, 38 research grants, and 60 additional equipment grants. Telethon trustee Kerry Stokes AC emphasized that every dollar raised goes directly to real people making tangible differences, calling it a proven formula for community betterment. Premier Roger Cook noted that Telethon's impact is felt statewide, with healthcare professionals often attributing their work to the initiative's support.
Richard Goyder, Telethon chairman, reflected on the day as one of the year's greatest, highlighting how community efforts ripple beyond immediate families to build a caring society. The event featured Little Telethon Stars like Izzy Miller, who recently rang the bell at Perth Children's Hospital to celebrate being cancer-free, and Jordan Blair, who performed Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody to a standing ovation.
Celebrating Kindness and Future Initiatives
Emily Barlow, a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy, received the Kindness Award for her dedication to baking cookies, raising $15,000 for Telethon through annual bake sales. She even prepared over 700 cookies for attendees at the celebration. The Giving Celebration also looked ahead, announcing the next fundraising weekend on October 17 and 18 at RAC Arena. Since its inception in 1968, Telethon has raised more than $770 million, continuously enhancing the lives of West Australian children and families through unwavering community support and generosity.
