Industry helps sick children get creative

Four WA media companies have teamed up to deliver over 350 arts & crafts supplies for children in Perth Children’s Hospital as part of UnLtd’s Arts & Crafts Appeal for Radio Lollipop.

The appeal was set up to help keep sick children entertained in hospital, especially during the additional isolation they experienced due to the lockdown restrictions on visitors. Radio Lollipop provides care, comfort, play and entertainment services for children in hospital through their volunteer program. During the COVID-19 restrictions, most of the activities had to be paused due to visiting limitations.

This week marked the return of volunteers back on the wards and the return of live broadcasts for the in-hospital radio station for children.

The materials were donated by Foxtel, JCDecaux, Network 10 and NewsCorp and were hand delivered by senior executives from the organisations. The executives also got to try their hands at live broadcasting with Paul Townsend (pictured centre), Perth Sales Director & General Manager for Network 10 quick to assume his DJ persona to pump out Walking on Sunshine.

Townsend commented: “It was just incredible to see first-hand the work the team at Radio Lollipop do. As a father myself, it really brought it to life how important it is to bring some happiness to the children who are in hospital.”

Radio Lollipop, that stands for Lots Of Love and Laughter In Place Of Pain, were delighted with the industry’s generosity.

Melissa Spartan-Dawes, Coordinator at Radio Lollipop said: “We are really grateful to UnLtd and the art and craft donations from Network 10, JCDecaux, NewsCorp and Foxtel. We will be having a lot of fun delivering all the colouring books, crayons, puzzles and craft supplies to the children and bringing a smile to their faces.”

UnLtd is a social purpose organisation that connects the skills and resources of the media, marketing and creative industry with impactful charities working with at-risk kids.