The 13th Annual Variety – The Children’s Charity Radiothon begins tomorrow morning.
Producer Gene Bridges says he’s seen some amazing things in the 10 years he’s produced the event.
“The number that has been accumulated over that period of time is pretty impressive – $683,228 through this radiothon, through wonderful, wonderful people in the Prince George-Vanderhoof area.”
Additionally, more than 3,300 Variety Buddy bears have been delivered to children in hospital during this time.
Donations help provide for the many needs of families with sick kids.
“Variety will do things like make sure you can find a place to stay in Vancouver – they cover the cost of that,” says Bridges. “They’ll fly Mom down or Dad down if the kid has to be down there for months at a time, which is not at all unusual, and they’ll make sure they eat. They’ll make sure no one goes hungry.”
The charity also provides medication and equipment, from breast pumps for nursing mothers to power chairs for kids with mobility challenges.
The best part? All of the money raised locally goes to help local families.
“What we say is ‘Money raised here stays here.’ $683,000 plus. [That’s] 322 individual grants – 332 families that have benefited.”
The Radiothon kicks off tomorrow at 6 am. You can donate by calling 1-855-545-1137, dropping by our offices at 101 – 2977 Ferry Avenue, or going online.