Western Australian businesses and individuals have rallied behind Telethon Speech & Hearing’s Loud Shirt Day 2022, raising over $80,000 for the campaign that aims to raise awareness of hearing loss in children living in our community.
Participants were urged to show their support by wearing their loudest, most colourful shirts on Friday 21st October and what followed was an overwhelming response, easily eclipsing last year’s total. The amount will make a significant difference in the lives of children with hearing loss, which is the disability that is most commonly diagnosed at birth in Australia.
“For children who experience hearing loss, getting the required support as early as possible is crucial,” explained Telethon Speech & Hearing’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Fitzpatrick. “This will give them the best chance of minimising the long-term effects of their diagnoses, helping them to reach their full potential.
“Loud Shirt Day shines a spotlight on a very serious cause in a fun, festive way.” he said. “I’d like to thank every single individual and organisation that donated towards Loud Shirt Day and assure them that every contribution makes a difference.”
Shelford was once again the highest fundraiser, as staff and suppliers reached deep into their pockets to outdo their record donation from last year. The building company raised a total of $14,372.15 for Telethon Speech & Hearing.
“We are proud to make Loud Shirt Day one of our biggest fundraising events of the year,” said Shelford Managing Director John Mijacika. “The Shelford culture has always placed a high value in people and communities, and this is reflected in how many of our staff and our associated organisations chose to support the Loud Shirt Day cause.
We know that the work done by Telethon Speech & Hearing has a measurable impact on the lives of children across the state and we are delighted to be a part of it.”
One of the highlights of Loud Shirt Day was the annual Morning Tea with the Premier of WA, where Telethon Speech & Hearing ambassadors and siblings Kyden (9) and Jemma (7) Robertson met Premier Mark McGowan and the current State MPs, who were appropriately dressed in their loud shirts.
Kyden and Jemma have been part of Telethon Speech & Hearing’s Outpost program since Kindy. The program provides them with a dedicated Teacher of the Deaf at their school and has been invaluable in helping them develop their skills, abilities and confidence and help them thrive in a mainstream school and navigate life with a hearing loss.
Given the popularity of Loud Shirt Day 2022, plans are already afoot for the follow up next October, which should give participants and organisations plenty of time prepare for an even louder, more colourful Loud Shirt Day 2023.
“I’d like to see a sea of colour over Perth and the whole of the state, as Western Australians join forces to show their support for our kids in need,” Mark Fitzpatrick added.
