King Charles celebrates Telethon’s astonishing fundraising feat, praises generous WA community

King Charles has celebrated Telethon’s astonishing fundraising efforts and has praised West Australians for their “generosity, compassion and community spirit”.

Despite facing a cost-of-living crisis, the WA community dug deep at the weekend to raise more than $83 million for sick and disadvantaged kids across the State. The total fundraising tally now sits at more than $688 million.

On Tuesday, King Charles, who is in Australia with his wife Queen Camilla for engagements in Sydney and Canberra, sent a heartfelt letter expressing his amazement at the fundraising feat.

“My wife and I were delighted to hear that the Channel Seven Telethon was a record breaking success this year,” he said.

“While I can’t promise that we were able to watch all 26 hours of the broadcast, we were so pleased to have been here in Australia while your endeavours were taking place.

“That this annual event has now raised an astonishing $688million over the years is testament to the generosity, compassion and community spirit of the Australian people that we have witnessed during this tour and on every occasion we have been fortunate enough to visit.

“We congratulate and thank all of those who took part and contributed so greatly.”

The King signed the letter, “Charles R”.

Premier Roger Cook said it was “fantastic that His Majesty has noticed what a wonderful place Western Australia is and what an incredibly warm and giving community Western Australia is.”

“I’m very, really pleased that he’s proud of what we’re doing ... I’m very proud of Western Australia,” he said.

In Parliament, Mr Cook, who announced a $13 million State Government contribution over the weekend, said Telethon was a unique institution in which WA should be proud.

“As far as government spending goes, we can all be assured that every dollar that goes to Telethon is $1 well spent,” he said.

“Compassion and giving and helping is one of the central values of our community and when you see Telethon, where you see kids helping kids, you know that we really are incredible together.”

Donations through the call centre increased by 40 per cent compared to last year — with one person even pledging a staggering $25,000.

Individual online donations also jumped to a record-breaking high, with more than 27,000 donations totalling millions.

Channel 7 Telethon Trust chair Richard Goyder said this year really showed the community spirit of Telethon.

“The donations coming from individuals in the community was just incredible to see,” Mr Goyder said. “Even in this economic climate, people are still keen to come together and rally behind our kids.”

Seven’s 26-hour broadcast reached more than 690,000 unique viewers across Channel 7 and 7Plus over the weekend.

The average audience for the finale was up 15 per cent on last year, with a total TV audience of 191,000 tuning in for the final tally announcement.

Some donors commented they just wanted to do something for the kids who really needed help.

“Shout out to all the sick kids in hospital and at home, you bring out the great in people because of your strength, resilience and fight,” one said.

“I’m sorry I can only afford $10, it’s out of my pocket money, I’m 10 and I have had five surgeries, so I know how sad it can be for the kids that have to be there all the time,” another said. “I hope this weekend you can make all the kids smile.”

Telethon’s official community fundraisers, who baked cakes and completed amazing feats of personal endurance, also raised more than $1 million for the first time in the event’s history.