Q: What would you find if you went to the park today?
A: Why of course a huge Radio Lollipop, Loads of Runners and a BBQ.

Yip indeed it was the first ever 5K Fun run in Kelvingrove Park on Saturday the 13th of June. This event was organised by Partick Trinity Church running club and not only aimed to raise funds for the charity radio station, but also to promote a healthy, active community event.
Stuart Smith, Minister of Partick Trinity said:
“This event was an excellent opportunity to get fit and raise funds for a worthy cause. With as many as 1 in 4 children being admitted to hospital before the age of 14years old, this radio station can make a real difference to those that spend extended periods of time in wards away from family and friends. As Partick Trinity church, we really want to be part of making a difference in our local community.”

The event coincided with the Glasgow West End festival adding to the exciting atmosphere of the festivities. Local councillor Aileen Colleran & our own Lollipop mascot were present to get the run off to a good start.

A total sum of £749.58 was raised by everyone and Glasgow’s Press & Pr Officer Stephen Quinn who attended the event said “It was fantastic day and really did show that local communities are still working together to help worthy causes like ourselves at RL during these tuff economical times but I would I like thank the church, the organisers and of course the general public for their kind donations which helps us keep going strong”

Our Wacky Wednesday team played host to a huge cuddly feline – Kat from Lollipops Playland. Kat slinked through the wards, purring from all of the attention she received. She was a huge hit with the kids, nurses and even the parents. One of the Mums made sure that not only her daughters had a photo with Kat but she did too!

We played a great game of hide and seek with one of the boys on the cardiac ward, who also had lots of questions to ask our big, cuddly, yellow friend. After translating many miaows for the little investigator, Kat continued around the wards, handing out Lollipops Playland activity books to keep the kids busy for the night. We had a lucky dip prize give-away on the night – a huge dolls house, which brought a huge smile to a little girl in 7E who was the winner.

A big thank you to Kathy and Paul from Lollipops Playland for bring Kat along for this special visit and bringing lots of fun and excitement to the Mater!

The Edinburgh Playhouse have donated tickets for Disney’s High School Musical on tour show to Radio Lollipop. The tickets were won by a child at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in a competition held as part of the 20th Birthday Party celebrations on 3rd June.

Sarah Heney, Sales and Marketing Manager at the Edinburgh Playhouse popped in to Radio Lollipop to find out more about the charity and to give us the all important tickets!

Radio Lollipop (Edinburgh) would like to thank Sarah and the Edinburgh Playhouse for their kind donation and support.

Photograph: Sarah Heney with Volunteers Alison Thompson and Mike Anderson

On 26 May 2009 a new volunteer program called ‘Golden Gurus’ was launched by the Queensland Government from the Radio Lollipop studio at the Mater Children’s Hospital.

The Golden Gurus concept is the brainchild of Ernie Peralta, 76, who first pitched the concept at the national 2020 Ideas Summit last April. Golden Gurus is a program that connects volunteers aged over 50 with community organisations who would benefit from business expertise and advice.

Ernie charmed us all with stories of how he came up with the idea and how honoured he felt that his idea was embraced by the Queensland Government.

Local media crew had our Radio Lollipop volunteers posing for countless photos and the studio was a buzz with excitement as everyone shared their volunteering stories and experiences.

A big thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers who helped on the day.

If you know a Golden Guru who would be interested in sharing their skills and knowledge in bringing care, comfort and play to sick children in hospital we’d love to hear from you!