Sydney’s 2GB fundraising campaign, The Vinnies Christmas Radiothon, has raised more than $100,000 to support local families doing it tough this Christmas.
More than 500 individuals – including prime minister Anthony Albanese, Peter Dutton, Dan Tehan, NSW premier Dominic Perrottet, Chris Minns and Mark Latham – contributed to the all-day on-air campaign on Friday, December 16.
Individual donations ranged from $10 up to a $10,000 contribution made at 5.57pm, taking the tally over the $100,000-mark just before the close of the Radiothon at 6.00pm.
2GB content manager, Luke Davis, said: “When the team at Vinnies put out the call for help with their Christmas Appeal, the 2GB family did what we do best – sprung into action! Our listeners, clients, supporters and staff rallied behind this great cause, contributing in any way they could, across a truly uplifting day of radio. We were blown away at the generosity of so many.
“2GB prides itself on making a difference in our community each and every day, and the $100,000 raised as part of this Radiothon will – with the help of the good people at Vinnies – make a significant and very real difference to the lives of many this Christmas.”
CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Jack de Groot, said: “2GB has done an outstanding job helping the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW raise more than $100,000 as part of our Christmas Appeal to help families survive the cost of living crisis. This will help us provide assistance to the many people experiencing disadvantage including homelessness, domestic violence and poverty throughout the state.
“I want to thank 2GB, which has been a long-term partner of the Society, and I also want to thank the hosts for being such good sports and everyone behind the scenes who helped us achieve this great result.”
Some of the highlights from the 2GB Vinnies Christmas Radiothon included presenters John Stanley and Mark Levy singing a live duet of ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ and Mark Levy agreeing to take on Paul Gallen in the boxing ring (wearing flippers) thanks to a Ben Fordham donation.