Channel 7 Telethon raises $83.3 million – New record set as WA digs deep
Western Australians rallied in big numbers for the 2024 Channel 7 Telethon, raising a record breaking $83,264,216 for sick children. The 26-hour live event, broadcast on Channel 7 and streamed nationally on 7plus from RAC Arena, raised funds to create a brighter future for kids in WA.
The theme, Incredible Together, perfectly captured the essence of the entire WA community coming together for a shared purpose, making the 57th Telethon Weekend one of the biggest ever.
Incredible Together pays tribute to the everyday heroes who contribute to Telethon’s success. From the doctors, nurses, and researchers tirelessly working to improve children’s health, to the courageous families who inspire us, from the corporate donations received from the business sector, and most importantly the generous community members who give what they can – every single person plays a vital role in Telethon’s success.
Telethon related coverage over the weekend reached 690,000 unique viewers, including the AFLW fundraising game. The 26-hour live broadcast reached 541,000.
The average audience for the finale was up 15 per cent on last year, with a total TV audience of 191,000 tuning in for the final tally announcement and over 8 million minutes streamed on 7plus.
Seven West Media Chair and Telethon Trustee, Kerry Stokes AC, said: “Every year, it’s about children using their own pocket money or fundraising to help other children. Telethon is a community-driven initiative that inspires generosity, and it is very special to West Australians and has been for more than half a century.”
The Telethon broadcast featured stellar music performances by Guy Sebastian, Human Nature, Vanessa Amorosi, Samantha Jade and Rob Mills.
Telethon was backed by the entire Seven West Media WA team including 7NEWS Perth, The West Australian, PerthNow, The Nightly, Streamer and 30 regional and suburban newspapers, as well as volunteers across the State all working alongside the Telethon team.
Seven West Media WA CEO and Telethon Trustee, Maryna Fewster, said: “Every dollar raised during Telethon 2024 will go towards making a real difference in the lives of children facing health challenges across our state.”
Since its inception in 1968, Telethon has now raised over $688 million thanks to the generosity of the Western Australian community, becoming the largest charity fundraiser of its kind in the world.
Throughout 2024, Telethon has been financially supporting an incredible 136 children’s charities, beneficiaries and community organisations that are pivotal to advancing medical research and providing essential services, equipment and programs for sick children and their families all over Western Australia.
The live Telethon broadcast is available to watch on 7plus.
