CANBERRA, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Sunday announced a commitment of 6 million Australian dollars (about 4 million U.S. dollars) to support the health and wellbeing of children for the annual Channel 7 Telethon charity appeal.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement that the funding would go to the Channel 7 Telethon Trust, which organizes an annual 26-hour televised fundraising appeal in Western Australia.
Funds raised through the 2026 Telethon will support 147 beneficiaries, 199 programs and services, 297 grants, 38 research projects and the purchase of more than 3,000 pieces of equipment.
The latest commitment brings the federal government's total contribution to Telethon to 30 million Australian dollars over the past five years.
Albanese said Telethon had made a significant difference in children's lives by supporting medical research and essential equipment purchases for hospitals and health services.
Telethon has raised more than 778 million Australian dollars for sick and disadvantaged children in Western Australia over almost six decades, with last year's event raising a record of more than 90 million Australian dollars. ■
