ESPANOLA—On Friday, September 20, Rosalind Russell at Moose FM CJJM 99.3 ran a hugely successful radiothon from 6 am to 2 pm. The Heart of Gold radiothon raises funds that go directly to Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC). This was the third annual event, spearheaded by Ms. Russell.
“We have five or six children in our local area who need your help each and every day,” Ms. Russell said over the airways on Friday. “We have one child on Manitoulin Island, another in Lively, two in Espanola, one in Blind River and one in Elliot Lake receiving support from Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer.” Her pleas did not go unheard. A steady stream of donors came through the door of the radio station, in addition, Ms. Russell was fielding donations over the phone.
NOFCC is a registered charity begun in 1998 by a group of parents of children with cancer. Their goal is to help every family caring for a child with cancer, and they strive to address the needs of every family member. NOFCC provides a wide variety of services under three core programs: financial assistance, educational supports and emotional support and advocacy.
While The Expositor was at the radio station, many people came in to donate to the cause, including a hefty donation by the Knights Cruisers Car Club for $700, presented to Rosalind Russell by Carol Simond, who made a personal donation as well.
“Vista Radio is a wonderful company to work for, they’re very progressive,” Ms. Russell explained. “And very proactive when it comes to supporting local PSAs, whether it’s to help the homeless, or the NOFCC, or other cancer organizations, like the Terry Fox Run during September which is Cancer Awareness Month.”
As NOFCC Ambassador 2024—a title Ms. Russell has won two years in a row for raising the most funds for NOFCC—Ms. Russell will present the funds from the radiothon at the Gold Soiree that takes place next week in Sudbury. It’s a formal affair, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the organization, which raises upwards of $80,00 to $100,000. “And that money all goes back into taking care of our children,” Ms. Russell said.
The business community is a tremendous boon at times like these. They not only support this type of event financially, but in donating prizes as enticement for the public to get involved. Many generous Espanola businesses were doing their part, and Manitoulin Island was also involved. “Jake’s Home Centres, of Mindemoya and Little Current, have always advocated for the children.” Adam Smith, owner of Jake’s, donated a barbecue as a raffle prize for the radiothon. “As well, Mountain View Resort has donated a weekend family getaway to NOFCC for next weekend’s soiree, for live auction. We have a very strong relationship with Manitoulin Island,” she added.
By the end of the eight-hour radiothon, the total raised was $6,825, but Ms. Russell will continue to accept donations until Friday, September 27. She’d love for you to drop by the radio station at 90 Gray St, Espanola, or call in your donation to 705-869-6999, or donate online at 3rd Annual Heart of Gold radiothon – canadahelps.org. As Ms. Russell said in her radio tagline, “Every cent counts.”
by Margery Frisch
