It’s time again for SCA’s big annual charity drive Give Me 5 for Kids across their regional networks.
Among the first to announce their local event is 3SR FM in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley. Another is 92.7 MIX FM on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast – which is no longer owned by SCA. Nonetheless, the new owners, headed by the irrepressible Glenn Wheatley are happy to continue the SCA tradition of raising money for a good cause.
The Give Me 5 for Kids fundraiser launched in the mid 90s as a simple coin drive. Since then, the campaign has raised more than $12 million nationally, and utilises SCA’s network of 36 regional radio markets and eight television markets to drive donations. It’s rolled out in June each year.
Last year alone, Give Me 5 for Kids raised almost $2.5 million nationally.
Southern Cross Austereo CEO Rhys Holleran said, “The essence of what SCA does as a broadcaster is local content, and GM54K is all about local communities, so it’s a perfect fit for our company. Last year, we raised close to 2.5 million dollars, and all of that money went to hospitals in the communities we serve. Our stations are the guardians of this unique appeal and as such, all of us are dedicated to raising these much-needed funds. We are confident our supporters will continue the generosity that has been the hallmark of this appeal.”
On the Sunshine Coast over the past 12 years, the Mix FM’s Give Me 5 for Kids appeal has raised over 2.4 million dollars on the for child health services and much needed equipment for their local children’s ward.
92.7 MIX FM’s Mark and Caroline (left) will be launching this year’s campaign live at Australia Zoo on the 30th May, with the zoo opening their doors free of charge for sick children and their families.
Breakfast co-host Caroline Hutchinson says she finds it truly heart-warming to see the Sunshine Coast community come together to support Mix FM’s Give Me 5 for Kids. “We rely on the generosity of the Sunshine Coast and the beautiful community that donates year after year. Without their support, child health services wouldn’t be able to afford the equipment necessary to help these children and give them the brightest possible futures.”