BENDIGO'S 3BO radio station is hoping the phones will be ringing off the hook during its Give Me 5 for Kids teleathon on Friday.
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The station's major appeal runs for the month of June, with all money raised going to Bendigo Health's Paediatric Unit which provides care to thousands of babies, children and teenagers across the Loddon Mallee region.
The event starts at 6am and runs through to 6pm, with the radio station set to broadcast a live tally throughout the day.
Promotions coordinator at 3BO Jessica Elsley said the appeal helped the hospital purchase new equipment and was well-supported by the community each year.
"This is the company's 37th year of the appeal and Bendigo's seventh," she said.
"So far we have raised just over $18,000 in our first week but hope to raise $125,000.
"Last we raised $124,000 so we are hoping to go that little bit further.
"Every bit counts.
"Jane Anderson, the director of the foundation at Bendigo Health, has said they have been able to buy a lot of the equipment needed.
"This makes it easier for families.
"They don't have to travel to Melbourne - they can stay home - so it's cheaper."
She said 3BO was a community-orientated radio station and was passionate about supporting charities.
"3BO's tagline is the local you know, so we are very community-orientated," she said.
"3BO likes to get out there and get involved- this is sort of our own charity we can get into and give back."
Major events so far included a tin rattle on Saturday at the city centre and a fundraiser by the Bendigo Dragons, which saw entrance fees to Saturday night's gridiron game donated to the cause.
So far we have raised just over $18,000 in our first week but hope to raise $125,000.
- Jessica Elsley
Last year Give Me 5 For Kids raised almost $2.5 million nationwide.
The fundraiser was launched by Austereo in the 1990s and has raised more than $12 million since it began.
More than 30 Austereo regional radio stations are taking part.
Bendigo South East College students will auction off their art on June 19 from 6.30pm, with all money going to support the initiative.
The tele-a-thon is being run out of the Bendigo Bank office.
To donate call 13 27 10 or visit www.giveme5forkids.com.au