Radio Lollipop Sticks Around Starship

Go red for Radio Lollipop

ESTHER LAUAKI

Kiwis are encouraged to Paint the Town Red to lend a helping hand to sick kids at Starship Hospital this month.

Radio Lollipop’s annual November appeal raises money for sick children and their families in hospital. It aims to keep children positive while in hospital through its radio programmes and activities.

Funding would mean the station could broadcast programmes via satellite to other children’s hospitals throughout the upper North Island.

People are asked to dress in red from top to tail on November 18 in support of the cause and hand-shaped glow pens are on sale as a bright reminder of the theme for the month – Give Radio Lollipop a Hand.

Chairwoman Angela Mackie says the vision is to provide fun and laughter for children at Starship.

“I’ve been involved for about seven years. It’s been hugely rewarding. For the families the station provides a place where parents sometimes just need adult conversation or a place where they can feel comfortable leaving their children for a little while to play while they grab a coffee and get a bit of respite.”

The radio station’s live shows are themed to the crafts kids are making in the wards and outside the studio.

“The crafts we do are more meaningful and we try to do fun things to take their minds off why they’re in hospital.

“We need a hand so we can provide this amazing service for our sick kids and keep up with music they want to listen to. Our wish this year is to be able to broadcast into other hospitals so we reach more sick children so they can share the fun. We have play programmes in Kidz First, the Manukau SuperClinic and Whangarei Base Hospital.”

Schools are invited to get involved by encouraging students to wear red on November 18 and give a gold coin to help other sick children.

East And Bays Courier