Big Night In Telethon Raises $1,944,225

Sunday August 9, 2009

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Big Night In Telethon Raises $1,944,225 For Kids In Need

TV3’s first Telethon in 15 years has been an overwhelming success with $1,944,225 raised from The Big Night In to go directly to Kiwi kids in need.

The Big Night In was a 23 hour live entertainment extravaganza, featuring a host of top celebrities, all lending their support to raise money to help children living in poverty in New Zealand.

The broadcast, from three main centres around the country was a Telethon unlike others ever seen before, and included features such as The MORE FM Big Audition, The Big Auction, The Big Dares, The Air New Zealand Challenge, The Celebrity Phone-Out, and the Mazda Magic Moments.

Julie Helson, Executive Director of the KidsCan StandTall Trust, says she has been absolutely staggered by the generosity of Kiwis throughout the country.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the thousands of people who have donated to support New Zealand children less fortunate than others,” she says. “The Big Night In Telethon has brought the nation together in an incredible show of community spirit.”

Grassroots activity nationwide was immense with hundreds of fundraising ventures all over New Zealand taking place prior to the event and during the weekend of the Big Night In.

CEO of Mediaworks, Brent Impey says: “It's really humbling to see the generosity of New Zealanders, especially at a time when things are challenging economically. This shows Kiwis are a compassionate people and really care about the future, which is all about our children.”

“I'd like to especially thank our TV3 production crew who have worked tirelessly to put this big event to air. They certainly deserve a 'big sleep in' on Monday."

Donations are still coming in so the interim total will increase and we will reveal the final number once these contributions have been counted.

Following a final independent audit, Kidscan will release a full disclosure of the costs for the event and revenue generated, by no later than October 30 2009.

This will include confirmation of what the funds raised have delivered to the children of New Zealand.

The Big Night In Telethon 09 screened LIVE on TV3 for 23 hours from Saturday August 8 at 7pm until Sunday August 9 at 6pm.

ENDS

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