Historic Telethon 2025 Raises Over $90 Million as WA Community Unites to Support Sick Children

The 2025 Telethon in Western Australia has achieved a remarkable milestone by raising over $90 million. This live TV fundraising event united the community to enhance the lives of sick and vulnerable children. The total collected during the event reached $90,160,275, surpassing last year’s total of $83,264,216. Since its inception in 1968, Telethon has raised more than $750 million, providing critical funding for innovative treatments and support.

Community Spirit and Leadership

Telethon chairman Richard Goyder praised the community’s efforts. He emphasized that every dollar contributed goes directly to those in need in Western Australia. In a remarkable display of generosity, Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes and his wife Christine Simpson-Stokes donated a $5 million cheque on behalf of their family. Stokes reassured the community that the funds would start making an impact immediately.

Telethon’s Weekend of Giving

The Telethon event spanned 26 hours filled with entertainment and community spirit. Highlights included:

• Inspirational moments from young Telethon stars like Izzy Miller, who expressed her joy over a new backyard set up for her family.
• Heartfelt letters and tributes from families benefiting from Telethon’s support.
• Numerous large donations from businesses, including $5.5 million from BHP and $2 million from Mineral Resources.
• Additional contributions included $6 million from the Federal Government and a record $14 million from the State Government.

Generational Impact

Premier Roger Cook stated that the entire Western Australian community should take pride in the outcome, emphasizing the uniqueness of this fundraising effort. The Telethon tradition spans generations, with many families actively participating to support others in need. Ryan Stokes highlighted the lasting influence of Telethon, noting that it has become a cherished annual event in the region.

Record-Breaking Contributions

A notable highlight was the sale of the Telethon home, which fetched $1.375 million. With additional contributions, the total reached $1.4 million. This reflects the immense community backing and dedication to the cause.

Celebrating Courage and Hope

The stories shared during the Telethon showcased the resilience of children facing severe health challenges. One such story followed 7-year-old twins, Edward and Ethan Chen. Edward copes with stage four spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, while Ethan is a devoted brother who cares for him. Another inspiring child featured was Hemi Andrews, who had undergone six open-heart surgeries by the age of five.

Parents expressed how impactful the weekend was for their families. The event not only brought joy but also fostered a sense of community. Many noted Telethon’s ability to connect families and provide hope in tough times, illustrating its essential role in supporting sick children throughout Western Australia.