Radio Lollipop Uniform Free Day marks 26 years

The costumes have been chosen and fundraising tins prepped for the 26th annual Radio Lollipop Uniform Free Day on Wednesday (March 17).

Bus drivers and other Public Transport Authority staff will again dress up in eye-catching outfits to raise money for sick kids in WA hospitals.

Radio Lollipop, which stands for Lots Of Love and Laughter In Place Of Pain, is a children’s charity which aims to bring a moment of joy to children in hospital, with in-ward activities such as drawing and colouring, visits from volunteers, and a nightly kids’ radio show they can call in to from their beds and request their favourite songs.

Uniform Free Day is the main fundraiser for Radio Lollipop (WA), which operates out of Perth Children’s Hospital and is streamed to satellite sites in Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Midland, Murdoch, Rockingham, Joondalup, Fiona Stanley and Armadale hospitals.

Transperth spokesman David Hynes said more than $1.5 million had been raised since Uniform Free Day began in 1995.

“Much has changed in the last year due to the pandemic but, throughout it all, children still fell ill and needed hospital care,” he said.

“These sick children benefit greatly from the wonderful work Radio Lollipop does to bring a smile to their face and make them forget their problems for a short while.

“Our passengers are a very generous bunch and they always dig deep for Radio Lollipop Uniform Free Day, so I’d urge everyone to get their cards or cash ready if they’re commuting on March 17.”

Along with dressed-up bus drivers across the network, a team of volunteers will be collecting donations at major train stations, including Perth, Perth Underground and Elizabeth Quay between 7am and 9am – just look for the people in costume or Radio Lollipop t-shirts.

People not commuting on the day can still donate to Radio Lollipop by visiting www.transperth.wa.gov.au and clicking the Radio Lollipop banner.

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