Nine Telethon raises $6,791,588

Nine Queensland Managing Director Kylie Blucher, Mater Mothers’ Director of Neonatology Dr Pita Birch, 9News Queensland’s Andrew Lofthouse, Melissa Downes and Aislin Kriukelis, Mater Foundation CEO Andrew Thomas and Mater Foundation Board Chair Virginia Ryan

Nine Telethon in Queensland raised $6,791,588 for Mater Little Miracles on Saturday night.

The funds will go to Australia’s busiest maternity care provider in neonatal critical care and maternal foetal medicine and supporting families.

The Nine Telethon, broadcast from Mater Mothers’ Hospital, featured Queensland’s longest-serving presenting duo, 9News Queensland’s Melissa Downes and Andrew Lofthouse, welcoming viewers into the NCCU ward with 9News Queensland’s Aislin Kriukelis, and into the Nine Telethon Call Centre with Nine’s Peter Psaltis and Sam Thaiday. There were also special appearances by Paralympic athletes Paige Greco and Torita Blake, former tennis player John Millman, Channel 9’s The King, Wally Lewis, and more.

Notable contributions came from the Federal Government ($2 million), the Queensland Government ($1.5 million), and inaugural presenting partners: The Lott by Golden Casket, Suncorp and Plantation Homes. The Brisbane Broncos added to the donation tally by auctioning off captain Adam Reynolds’ and club veteran Corey Oates’ football boots.

Managing Director of Nine Queensland and Nine Northern New South Wales, Kylie Blucher, said: “Once again the Nine Telethon has worked its magic, leaving an indelible mark and transforming the lives of countless Queensland families.

“It’s truly heartwarming to witness our community uniting to support our own, and I am thrilled that Mater Little Miracles can continue to provide Queensland’s most vulnerable infants with the best possible start to life, thanks to these life-saving funds.

“My heartfelt gratitude extends to Nine Queensland’s dedicated production team and 9News Queensland and Nine talent, whose unwavering dedication has been instrumental in achieving this wonderful outcome for Mater Little Miracles.”

Mater Foundation CEO, Andrew Thomas, said: “What an extraordinary evening! Thanks to the Nine Telethon, the incredible sum of $6,791,588 ensures that more medical miracles are now within reach.

“These funds are truly life-changing for sick and premature babies. The generosity from the community allows us to purchase the latest technology and equipment and invest in world-class research to improve the survival rates and long term outcomes for our tiniest patients. We want babies to survive; however, we also want them to thrive and live a full life without any physical or intellectual disability.

“Each dollar raised not only brings hope to countless Queensland families but also lays a solid foundation for a brighter, healthier future. On behalf of our amazing clinicians and our brilliant researchers, I express our sincere gratitude to the Nine Telethon for standing with us on this journey to support Queensland families for years to come.”

Donations can still be made at www.9telethon.com.au