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Torontonians come together to support SickKids

Astral listeners pledged their support to the tune of $2.2 million

May 5, 2011

10-month-old Sara Karlie spent the first 7 months of her life at SickKids. Her parents, Nicole and Joe, returned to SickKids for Radiothon and shared their daughter's inspiring story with Astral listeners.

The 25th annual SickKids Radiothon came to an emotional close at 7 p.m. today after hundreds of Astral listeners from the GTA community dug deep into their wallets in support of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). A preliminary tally of $2,204,329 was revealed in the closing minutes of the broadcast.

SickKids patients and families shared their compelling stories on Astral’s Toronto radio stations – Newstalk 1010, boom 97.3 and 99.9 Virgin Radio – during the 12-hour broadcast motivating Toronto-area listeners to phone in and pledge their donations. SickKids was again a beneficiary of Astral’s “National Day of Caring for Kids Radiothon.”

Returning with their continued support, ForestersTM, a provider of quality life insurance, shared its financial strength with the SickKids community as our very generous presenting sponsor. More than 50 Foresters employees volunteered their time to answer donor calls and accepted pledges throughout Radiothon.

“Together with the Astral on-air hosts today, we are grateful to the Toronto community for 25 years of generous support to SickKids Radiothon,” says Ted Garrard, President and CEO, SickKids Foundation. “This annual event is a highlight of our fundraising activities not only because of all the patients, families and volunteers who come together to make it successful, but because it raises critical funds for the Hospital’s highest priority needs supporting research, learning and care.”

As the radio hosts, together with SickKids patient Helena Kirk, 5, and Jillian Smith, 13, announced the preliminary tally, more than $2.2 million had been raised for SickKids Foundation. All told, these three radio stations have raised more than $38 million for SickKids Foundation through 25 annual SickKids Radiothons, and golf tournaments and corporate donations.

The day’s emotional stories moved children and adults alike. SickKids staff, volunteers from Foresters and the team from Astral felt the impact of meeting the patients and hearing their stories throughout the day.

“It is hard for most of us to imagine being in the shoes of a young child fighting for their life. The stories of the courageous children and families we met today were powerful and compelling to say the very least. I would like to send a sincere thank you to our listeners for their generous donations,” said Val Meyer, Vice President and General Manager, Toronto cluster, Astral.

Through the combined efforts of generous donors who signed up to be Miracle Club members and give $18 a month, just $0.60/day, these children’s wishes have a chance of coming true. People can continue to donate by calling 1-877-798-5437 or going online at www.sickkidsradiothon.com.