Telethon 2025: Record-breaking $90,160,275 raised WA community rallies to help sick children

Western Australians showed why Telethon is the biggest and most impactful live TV fundraiser in the world, reaching a staggering new record of $90,160,275.

Over a magical and awe-inspiring weekend, our State was once again united around a single goal: to improve the lives of sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children, both today and in the future.

And again, a new record was reached, eclipsing last year’s total of $83,264,216.

Telethon’s total fundraising effort since its inception in 1968 now exceeds $750 million, but the impact achieved through life-changing innovations, research, treatments, and opportunities for sick children is immeasurable.

Telethon chairman Richard Goyder said the WA community had once again come together to change lives.

“One of Telethon’s greatest strengths is the way we come together. Every dollar this amazing community contributes goes to people in Western Australia who need it,” he said.

As the broadcast ended, Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes and his wife Christine Simpson-Stokes donated a $5 million check from their family.

Mr Stokes thanked the WA community and said work would begin immediately to deliver the record-breaking sum to those who need it most.

“Come tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock Telethon will be committed to implementing all the programs you see to help all people who need help,” he said.

The final issue follows an incredible 26 hours of generosity, joy, fun and the community spirit that is so unique to WA.

The power of Telethon could be seen and felt everywhere.

Five-year-old Telethon star Izzy Miller’s cheerful “I love it!” When he is shown images of the new backyard the Build Now Foundation has created at his family’s Australind home, they can’t wait to return after treatment for neuroblastoma.

This was included in the hand-written card that Telethon star Florence Shanks made for Elizabeth Perron last year after she announced the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation’s $10 million pledge, saying “you are so cool and I want to help sick kids like you someday.”

Despite the rain, there were families enjoying the Telethon Family Festival atmosphere presented by Coles or cheering on basketball legend Greg Hire and 30 others as they pushed themselves to their limits for the eight-hour Alcoa Bike Challenge.

And Dr. TV viewers and live viewers shed tears as Chris Brown read a touching letter from Perth mother Jo Wagner, whose daughter Kate died in July after an 18-month stay at Perth Children’s Hospital.

Dr. visited Kate with his therapy dog ​​in the weeks before her death. “You made him feel special, important, and seen; not just as a patient, but as a friend,” the letter to Brown said.

“It was pure joy that day for Kate, and for all of us, to see that genuine smile and the spark in her eyes.”

As the final announcement approached, huge donations poured in from WA’s business sector, including $5.5 million from BHP and $2 million from Mineral Resources.

Other major donations included $5.5 million from Rio Tinto and $6 million from the Federal Government; These donations were announced on Saturday night by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, who witnessed the power of Telethon for the first time.

The State Government contributed a record $14 million, exceeding last year’s total. WA Premier Roger Cook said the entire State of WA should be proud of the final result.

“There’s a general feeling in the community that everyone is going to get involved. There’s nothing like it in Australia and it’s the biggest in the world in terms of this type of fundraising,” he said.

Another record fell when the Telethon home, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom residence in Madora Bay, sold for $1.375 million; Home Group and Satterley’s total rounded out to $1.4 million.

Ryan Stokes, chief executive of Seven Group Holdings, which owns 40 per cent of Seven West Media, said the Telethon had become an annual tradition for generations of West Australians.

“The community support and how big Telethon has become and how far it has reached has been phenomenal,” he said.

“The spirit of Telethon is pretty magical, and the fact that it’s been around for so long has multiple generations of kids who are now adults using it and understanding what it’s all about.

“And he never lost his essential connection to the entire population of WA.”

This connection was on display throughout the weekend, proving that Telethon’s magic lies in its people.

Like the thousands of volunteers who show up for children they’ve never met, the kids who promise earnings from bakery stalls and give up their pocket money, and the parents who encourage them, who did the same thing years ago and are now acutely aware of what’s at stake.

It’s an enduring priority for businesses, from small teams to global giants, and their leaders who made it clear on this weekend in October.

Artists, fundraisers and celebrities who entertain and inspire, and the small but mighty Telethon team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every precious dollar goes where it’s needed.

Beneficiaries who used this money to improve the lives of countless WA families and, above all, incredibly brave children.

Children like identical twins Edward and Ethan Chen, 7, featured on the front page of The Sunday Times.

Edward lives with stage four spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and a rare and complex congenital neurological malformation due to a pregnancy complication. His brother, Ethan, was born healthy and cares for and protects his twin, with whom he shares a special bond.

And Hemi Andrews, whose powerful story fronts The West Australian on Saturday. Hemi had six open-heart surgeries when he was just five years old, but as his mother Brooke says, he still shows twice the courage, joy and love despite everything.

Hemi and her family attended the 26-hour Telethon broadcast on Saturday night, which Brooke said capped off an unforgettable weekend.

“We’re still on cloud 9, it was such an inspiring and such a healing weekend,” he said.

“It was such a proud moment for the whole family to watch our son stand strong, show how hard he fought to be here, and give others hope to hold on to even the darkest of days.

“I hope his story does the same to other people in a similar situation, giving them hope to keep fighting.”

Telethon stars Jordan Blair, Izzy Miller, Paige McIllree and Xavier Summers lit up as they celebrated the weekend.

Taryn Blair, Jordan’s mother, said the Telethon brought joy, support and comfort to the entire family.

“The way people stopped and took pictures of Jordan and wanted to give him gifts and the posters they made… It put a permanent smile on my face all weekend,” he said.

“Meeting other parents and Telethon stars was also incredible, helping Jordan realize that there are kids like him and their differences should be celebrated.”

“When I see the happiness on your face, I can’t put it into words.”