Pay it forward with KFM Christmas Wish

The KFM Christmas Wish List is a tearjerker of note. Popular breakfast host Ryan O'Connor, who talks us through the morning traffic buzz, and Rob Vember, who handles your afternoon road-stress fest, are airing this year's Christmas Wish from today.

I chatted briefly to O'Connor to find out more...

Ryan O'Connor

Christmas Wish got started from the huge need to give back in the Western Cape. There's no better time to do so than at year-end, especially as many people who haven't had a good year simply don't buy into the festive season joviality. They don't have a Christmas bonus to spend on trivial trinkets, never mind family feasts and costly activities and if it's their first year-end without a loved one, which can be especially difficult as Christmas and New Year are always a reminder of what's gone before.

That's where Christmas Wish comes in. Thousands of entries are sent in with wishes that would make life a little easier for someone who hasn't had a year of highlights and happiness. These are read out loud on air, with a sponsor chiming in and offering a way to make the wish come true. The result? Over and above the obvious spark of happiness given to those in need and boost to the reputation of the businesses that pitch in to help is a flood of tears for all those listening in - or at the very least a sheen to the eyes that has to be sniffled away.

Perspective and paying it forward

O'Connor agrees that the overall sentiment is one of feeling blessed. Hearing about real people's lives, people who have often had a very sad or trying year, dealing with a worrying financial situation or even personal tragedy and devastation, and the gratitude and healing that ensues when a simple wish is granted, just punches things into perspective and serves as a reminder that your own life isn't so bad and there's lots you can do to help others.

For KFM, serving as this platform or conduit is a reward in itself. For more information, listen in to O'Connor and Vember's daily shows on KFM, where they'll be granting two wishes per day. Get those tissues ready!

KFM's ability to help grant wishes is heavily reliant on the resources they have available - it's never too early to start preparing for next year. Visit KFM's website and Twitter feed for more.