The first day of the 13th Variety – the Children’s Charity Radiothon is in the books, and Prince George and Vanderhoof have raised $26,496 and 115 buddy bears for local families.

“That’s a good days work,” says Radiothon Producer Gene Bridges. As far as Day 1’s go, this total ranks as one of the most successful. “(Today is) within $1,000 of our biggest day, I would say, so we feel really good about it.”

The annual event raises money for children with special needs and for organizations in the community help families through hard times.

Over the past decade, Variety BC has raised $610,768 and handed out 322 grants to local families and children, as well as funding for Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, Northern BC Children & Families Hearing Society, Prince George and District Child Development Centre, University Hospital of Northern BC, and the Prince George Therapeutic Riding Association.

You still have from 6 AM – 6 PM Thursday to donate. If you’d like to do so, you can:

  • Tune in to 94.3 The Goat, Country 97 and Valley Country, and call toll free 1-855-545-1137 to donate
  • Donate online at variety.bc.ca
  • Text KIDS to 45678 to make an automatic $20 contribution
  • Join the conversation on social media using #VarietyRadiothon and @VarietyBC