Caring for Kids Radiothon Raises $1,950,000!

11 year total at over $17 Million for the Alberta Children's Hospital!

CALGARY, Feb. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Listeners of the 11th annual Country 105 Caring For Kids Radiothon once again responded with overwhelming generosity. During the final hour, on-air personalities from Country 105 announced that their three-day event raised over $1.95 million for the Alberta Children's Hospital, bringing the overall Radiothon total to more than $17 million!

75 families whose children have received life-changing and life-altering care from the Alberta Children's Hospital shared their stories on air as their way of saying thank you to their doctors, nurses and therapists. Country music star and former nurse Paul Brandt again co-hosted with the Country 105 FM announcers and sang for everyone in hospital. 

"As a community, we should feel truly proud of what we have achieved together through the Caring for Kids Radiothon," says Saifa Koonar, President and CEO of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. "By sharing in the joy and heartache of our families and caregivers, we have strengthened the spirit of our community. And it's that same spirit that has made our hospital – not only a world-class facility where children can heal – but a place of hope."

"Our listeners once again embraced this event for the 11th year running, and that really shows us that Radiothon is the right thing to do," says Phil Kallsen, Director of Country Programming, Corus Radio Alberta. "We're incredibly proud of the impact Radiothon has on the Alberta Children's Hospital – and just as proud of how it brings our community together as a whole."

The Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation raises funds for excellence in child health, research and family centred care. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation provides funding for innovative programs, state-of-the-art equipment, advanced medical training and internationally-recognized pediatric research.

The official phone bank sponsor of this year's event was Brookfield Residential – The Best Places to Call Home.

Radiothon is a Children's Miracle Network initiative. Children's Miracle Network® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Established in 1983, Children's Miracle Network® raises funds to support critical research, education, purchase life-saving equipment, and ensure excellence in care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca

Radiothon is sponsored by Foresters™ across North America. Founded in 1874, Foresters™ helps individuals and families achieve financial security with its innovative portfolio of life insurance products and annuities. Foresters shares its financial strength with its members, who are customers, through complimentary life, health and education benefits that help its more than 735,000 eligible members and their families in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Foresters provides opportunities that inspire its members to make a difference in their communities. www.foresters.com

SOURCE: Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation

For further information: Justine Clay, Manager, Community Engagement, Ph. [phone] or [e-mail]