THE costumes have been chosen and fundraising tins are prepped for this year’s Radio Lollipop Uniform Free Day on Wednesday, March 15.
For 22 years, Transperth bus and train drivers and other PTA staff have hung up their uniforms – and donned fun costumes to raise money for sick kids in WA hospitals.
PTA managing director Mark Burgess said more than $93,000 was raised by staff and passengers during last year’s Radio Lollipop Uniform Free Day.
“In 2016, a portion of these funds enabled Radio Lollipop to establish a service for children at the new Midland Hospital, to provide a new outdoor play area for the children’s ward at Joondalup Health Campus and to build a fantastic new playroom for patients of the children’s ward at Armadale Hospital,” he said.
“All the money raised on Uniform Free Day helps Radio Lollipop volunteers bring a little magic to the lives of sick WA children.
“Hospital can be a pretty scary place for anyone – let alone kids – so Radio Lollipop’s live nightly radio broadcasts, and volunteer visits are really important.
“Children can participate in the radio show in-person, call in to the show, request songs, and even get the VIP treatment with fun volunteer visits right to their ward.
“Our passengers’ generous donations keep this charity running, whether it’s funding face paints, books or craft supplies – a little change can make a big difference.”
“So if there’s a gingerbread man at your train station or Batman driving your bus to work on March 15, please dig deep and help us keep Radio Lollipop broadcasting.”
A team of volunteers will be collecting donations at major train stations across the network between 6.30am and 8.30am – just look for the people in costume or Radio Lollipop t-shirts.
Perth Underground’s iconic Show Your Good Side campaign posters have also been ‘taken over’ by Radio Lollipop, and are being dressed up for the occasion.
Radio Lollipop (Lots Of Love and Laughter In Place Of Pain) has outposts at Joondalup, Fiona Stanley, Murdoch, Armadale, Kalgoorlie, Midland and Rockingham hospitals, and is set to move to the new Perth Children’s Hospital.
From their new studio at PCH, Radio Lollipop volunteers will continue their unique radio show from a contemporary DJ console and a studio that is sure to encourage the children out of their beds to participate in the nightly live broadcasts.
People not commuting on the day can still donate to Radio Lollipop by visiting www.transperth.wa.gov.au and clicking the Radio Lollipop banner.
