The fundraiser for Give Me 5 for Kids took place today on local station 3BO FM. 

3BO promotions coordinator Jess Elsley said when the call lines closed at 1pm the station had raised $10,007.

While the lines are closed, people wanting to donate can contact the station on 5430 2888.

EARLIER: A 3BO FM telethon for sick kids is under way today until 1pm and the phone bank is already ringing off the hook.

The annual event raises money for charity Give Me 5 for Kids, who hope for interactive television screens for Bendigo Health’s children’s ward and emergency department.

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Promotions coordinator Jess Elsley said the screens would help kids understand the procedures they were about to under take.

“Kids could use special apps that help them learn about the operations that they will have, for example,” she said.

She said many local businesses and groups had pitched in to get the telethon up and running. And volunteers were taking shifts answering phones.

One volunteer was Bendigo Dragons captain Matthew Plathe, whose gridiron team has a close relationship with Give Me 5 for Kids.

“It’s just a great charity which is raising funds for sick kids. What isn’t there to like about that?” he said.

Ms Elsley said $4500 had already been raised, on top of money raised earlier this month by local businesses as well as during community events.

Call 13 27 10 to make a donation.

MORE TO COME.