FAMOUS faces will be rattling tins for donations on Transperth services this morning as staff leave their uniforms at home in favour of fancy dress.
Passengers may spot or even meet Marilyn Monroe, Snow White, Zorro, Princess Leia, Elvis and Superman, and should be ready to dig deep and donate to Radio Lollipop.
Radio Lollipop is a radio station entertaining young patients at Princess Margaret Hospital, Armadale Hospital, Fremantle Hospital, Joondalup Health Campus, Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital and St John of God Murdoch.
In addition, the Lollipop volunteers entertain children with games, painting, drawing, story telling and lifting their spirits.
Money raised from the Transperth fundraising drive – the charity’s main revenue source – makes it possible for volunteers to continue to entertain children at a time when they need laughter most.
Transperth executive director Mark Burgess said Perth commuters’ spare change last year converted into nearly $60,000 worth of smiles on the faces of sick children in hospitals all across the State.
“Radio Lollipop wants to broadcast into every hospital across WA and we want to help make that happen,” he said.
“We’ll be accepting donations on all Transperth services on the day and will also have collectors out at our main train stations and interchanges.
“We hope all our passengers get into the spirit of Radio Lollipop Day – by digging into their pockets and supporting this fantastic cause.”
Radio Lollipop began in Surrey, England in 1978. Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital was the first Australian hospital to take up the concept, in 1985. It has since spread to hospitals across the country. Transperth has been an active supporter for more than 10 years. Lollipop stands for – Lots of Love and Laughter in Place of Pain.
The local Radio Lollipop studio is located at Princess Margaret Hospital and is programmed around the requests of the children. Children are encouraged to be the announcer or just talk on the radio. For the children who are unable to leave their beds, volunteers visit them to ensure quality time for all.
