By Joel van der Veen
There’s just under a month left to go before the sixth annual radiothon for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, but executive director Kelly McElree says excitement is already building for the broadcast.
“It’s a tremendous source of pride for the community,” he said, noting the radiothon gets a 100 per cent ratings share among patients and staff at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. “Every radio in the hospital is tuned in for 36 hours.”
The radiothon, a fundraiser for the foundation, will air from 6 a.m. on May 3 until 6 p.m. on May 4 on 800 CHAB, hosted by Rob Carnie and Craig Hemingway, live from the centre court of Town ‘n’ Country Mall.
“They really take this to heart,” said McElree. “We really make it a fun and festive atmosphere.”
The broadcast features patients and staff sharing their stories, as well as contributions from public figures and local organizations, including businesses, schools and churches.
Each hour, a different team of volunteers takes care of answering phones and accepting donations.
“It touches other listeners in such a profound way,” said McElree, explaining that it motivates them to donate and also educates them about the services available locally.
“I’ve always called the hospital the heartbeat of the community,” he continued. “It beats very strongly during the radiothon.”
For more information, see Wednesday's edition of the Times-Herald.
