Channel 7 Telethon weekend raises $77.5 million, setting new record

The spirit of generosity across WA was on show again over the weekend as the Channel 7 Telethon weekend raised a phenomenal record $77.5 million for sick children.

Established in 1968, Telethon is now the most successful TV fundraiser anywhere in the world, with over $600 million raised since its inception

Held on Saturday and Sunday at RAC Arena, the 26-hour live event was broadcast on Channel 7 in WA and 7plus nationally. In Perth, Telethon’s opening show reached 254,000 from 7:00 – 11:00 pm on Saturday night. The excitement of Sunday’s closing show and final tally announcement reached 206,000 viewers as Jimmy Barnes performed alongside this year’s Little Telethon Stars.

A roster of Seven talent travelled from interstate and helped dig deep including Dr Chris Brown; Sunrise co-hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington; SAS Australia’s Ant Middleton; The Morning Show’s Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, Better Homes and Gardens’ Charlie Albone; Home and Away favourites including Lynne McGranger, Matt Evans, Juliet Godwin, Stephanie Panozzo, Kirsty Marillier and Adam Rowland; 7NEWS Spotlight’s Liam Bartlett; and many more.

7NEWS’ Perth team were also out in force, including Susannah Carr, Rick Ardon, Basil Zempilas, Adrian Barich, Ryan Daniels, Matt Tinney, Sam Jolly, Angela Tsun and Tim McMillan.

It was the 14th time that Mr Basil Zempilas has hosted Telethon, and this year there were more kids, schools, sporting clubs and community groups from Perth and regional WA participated in fundraising than ever before as part of this year’s Telethon Challenge Yourself campaign.

Seven West Media Chairman, Kerry Stokes, AC said: “I am incredibly proud of this year’s Telethon Weekend fundraising efforts and the tremendous support and generosity on display from the WA community. The year-on-year success of Telethon is thanks to the amazing community participation on show where everyone comes together to help and support children in need, and I am so pleased that Channel 7 has been involved in this most worthy cause since it started in 1968”.

“Watching young kids helping and supporting other kids doing it tough inspires us all and is the reason why Telethon is an integral part of the WA community. Together, we’re creating a future filled with hope and opportunity for sick and disadvantaged children,” he said.

Telethon 2023 is live on 7plus for people right around the country to relive the magic of the record breaking event.