P4 listeners come through for kids

The initial target for the 4 days was set at R75 000 - enough to pay for the new unit's vitally important X-Ray Developing Room. However it soon became apparent that those sights would have to be set higher, after the flood of donations passed the R75 000 mark just 7 hours into the event. The next target was a further R50 000 to pay for a nurses' station - and that too was reached well before the end of the radiothon. By the time the lines closed on the Saturday evening, the P4 listeners had pledged a total of R200 000.00.

P4 Cape Town's Assistant Station Manager Philippa Hudson says they were all blown away by the response: "As this was our very first radiothon, we really didn't know what to expect, and could never have predicted such a resounding success. We always knew our listeners were caring, community-minded people, and we also know that the Children's Hospital is a cause close to many of their hearts. But to reach our target within 7 hours was a real morale-booster for everyone, and we are absolutely delighted with the final outcome of the P4 Landmarks Radiothon - it really helped us live up to our reputation as the Heart and Soul of Cape Town. We were also bowled over by the response from our staff - not only did the DJ's throw their weight behind the on-air appeal with spectacular results, but a number of our staff members also personally contributed to the fund as well. We even received a substantial donation from our Presidents Cup Golf Tour, where our 16 golfers turned their backs on Tiger Woods for a while, to pledge money all the way from Fancourt!"

Hudson said the donations ranged from small amounts pledged by young children giving up their pocket money, to big corporate and individual donations. She has extended particular thanks to the top 10 donors:

1. Pro Sano (R50 000)
2. Ragi Moonsamy (R25 000)
3. Golden Arrow (R10 000)
4. Cape Town Tourism (R5 000)
5. Henry van der Zant (R5 000)
6. "Junior" (R5 000)
7. Nashua Cape Town (R3 000)
8. Tony Ruiters (R2 000)
9. Brian Ebden (R2 000)
10. Shaun Lakay (R2 000)

The P4 family was gratified to learn earlier this week that the radiothon donation had helped push the overall Trauma Unit Appeal past its target of R16 million - meaning that the children of Cape Town will continue to receive world class medical care at this landmark facility.