Vega 95.3fm Christmas Appeal

Excitement and anticipation filled the air on the morning of Thursday, 11 December 2008, as Hospital staff and vega 95.3fm radio crew prepared for the start of the first, live radiothon campaign at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. vega set up a mini radio station in the Hospital foyer and conducted a live broadcast from 11 to 13 December.

Over the three days, vega promoted the inspirational stories of patients, families, staff and volunteers with many interviews on air and encouraged listeners to phone the donation line to support the amazing work done at the Hospital.

A mini call-centre was set up at the Hospital and calls were taken by staff, some patients, volunteers and the latest recruit class of the NSW Fire Brigades, who came in to help on one of the days. An external call-centre was on standby to receive any overflow of calls.

Lots of activities were organised for patients and visitors over the three days, including visits from the Clown Doctors, Australian Reptile Park, Batman, Sydney Swans, Parramatta Eels, Delta Dogs, Kindi Farm and Featherdale Wildlife Park. And Human Nature entertained the crowds on Friday morning with a wonderful live rendition of Last Christmas!

vega worked closely with the Hospital during the six months leading up to the Appeal in order to develop the campaign - we are very grateful to them for all their hard work and support in enabling this special event.

Thanks to vega's commitment, the combined efforts of many people across the Hospital and, of course, the compassionate listeners who responded with donations, the Appeal raised $112,000. These funds will greatly assist the Hospital in buying vital equipment, funding research and specialist programs, and in continuing to make a significant difference to the lives of our sick children and their families. Well done everyone!