Austereo’s Today Network of stations (2DayFM, FoxFM, B105FM, SAFM, NXFM and 92.9FM Perth) have helped raise more than $600,000 for the Kids Help Line in a massive radiothon run last weekend. Thousands of people all over Australia called to pledge money to the total.

They were encouraged by many celebrities who appeared on air, including Kylie, Will Smith and Alicia Keys. The tally room was constantly visited by Network Ten celebrities including the Big Brother gang (Nathan, Shannon, Damian, Katrina and Jemma), stars from The Secret Life of Us (Deb Mailman, Damian deMontemas and Michael Dorman), and others from Neighbours, News, GMA and Totally Wild.

As well as the 60 hours of broadcasting from the central Optus tally room, the Kids Help Line radiothon raised funds through a charity dinner and sales of its theme song No More Drama by Mary J Blige.

Austereo Promotions Director Sean Pickwell told AMT: “It’s our second year of the Radiothon and a great result. It means more than 85,000 Australian kids will be able to have their calls answered by the Kids Help Line. Austereo is really proud to be involved and assist Kids Help Line with our small contribution.”

Kids Help Line is a free 24-hour anonymous and confidential telephone and web-counselling service for kids aged five to 18. Each week 10,000 kids contact Kids Help Line but, sadly, due to lack of funds thousands more go unanswered. In busy periods, up to 18,000 calls each week can go unanswered.

Kids Help Line Executive Director Trevor Carlyon said: “It’s only with great partnerships like this that we can continue to support the kids of Australia.”

Supported by Network Ten and Optus, the Kids Help Line Radiothon is an initiative of the Austereo Radio Network. The 1800 donation line (1800 50 KIDS) will continue to operate for further donations.