Telethon 2016: 'An opportunity to do something practical'

2016-11-30 08:00:00

Talk Radio Europe and the Cudeca cancer care charity are gearing up for Telethon 2016, their famous fundraising extravaganza, which will take place on Friday 25 November.
Last year’s annual telethon raised more than 50,000 euros and although this was the highest amount to date, Martin Nathan, chairman of TRE, is convinced that he can double that figure this year.
During a press conference to launch the telethon in September, Martin expressed the need for the public to arrange events of their own in the weeks leading to the telethon, as this would give a considerable boost to the funds raised on the day.
The fundraising campaign has begun, but there is a long way to go to hit Martin’s target of 100,000 euros.
Martin told SUR in English that the response has been hugely encouraging and a number of events have already taken place, with more planned ahead of the big day.
“A sponsored walk raised over 1,700 euros and a bridge tournament raised 1,000 euros. Several quizzes have been held, one of which raised an incredible 2,000 euros,” Martin explained.
School participation has always been an important part of the telethon and this year several schools have come up with some inspiring activities to raise funds for the campaign.
The Laude International College in San Pedro organised a ‘danceathon’ that raised 840 euros, and similar events have been organised at the International College in Benalmádena, and the Swans International School in Marbella.
A ‘fail-safe’ recipe book has more than 100 recipes provided by TRE staff and listeners has been published. The book costs 10 euros and is available from the telethon website as a physical copy, or as a download.
A new feature called ‘In Memorium’ has been added to the telethon website this year. Here, people can make a donation in memory of someone they know that has lost their life to cancer.
Martin Nathan said, “Statistically, all of us lose a family member or friend to cancer and this is an opportunity to do something practical to help terminally ill patients and their families.”
The auction items are now live on the website and there’s a wide variety of items that could make great Christmas presents.
The telethon will be live on air between 10am and 7pm on Friday 25 November.
Donations can be made by telephone on the day of the telethon, and TRE are inviting listeners to request a song by donating 50 euros to the fund.source surinenglish