Davidson Recruitment help identify the Radio Lollipop stars of the future

Recruiting for new Radio Lollipop volunteers is not an easy task. There are so many important qualities we need in our volunteers, and sometimes it takes the job of a skillful interviewer to scratch behind the surface and identify those most suited to the role.

So when Brisbane’s  favourite recruitment firm, Davidson Recruitment, offered to lend a hand, we couldn’t say no!

With just 22 positions available on our Brisbane team, our Volunteer Coordinator sifted through more than 65 applications before deciding on the top 50 applicants for interviews. The team at Davidson Recruitment donated their time to help us identify some of Brisbane’s brightest stars who are vying for the honor of becoming a Radio Lollipop volunteer.

This is the second volunteer intake for 2013 that Davidson Recruitment have assisted Radio Lollipop with, and if the success of the first intake is anything to go by, our teams can look forward to some fantastic new volunteers joining us on the wards very soon!

On behalf of the Radio Lollipop Management team at the Mater and Logan Hospitals, thank you so very much to the team at Davidson Recruitment. The time you are giving to us is worth so much more than we can say. It’s helping us ensure our unique Radio Lollipop volunteer culture continues to thrive well into the future so that Queensland children in hospital will always have a reason to smile.

We would also like to thank all of the amazing candidates we have met through this latest round of recruitment. There are some very special and talented people out there who are all wanting to make a difference in this world. It has been a humbling experience for all of us who have had the pleasure of meeting with you over the past few weeks.

Brisbane Social Group donate to Radio Lollipop.

For some who have everything, when it comes to birthday time, we don’t need more presents, the creative mind of joint founder and leader of the “Brissy Tribute Bands” Sue decided to ask her friends to bring along a small stuffed zoo animal. The Brissy Tribute Bands social group recently celebrated Sue’s birthday with the Zookeepers Band. Keeping with the theme, members of the group each brought along a zoo animal to donate to Radio Lollipop – 54 animals plus books were collected in total – all to bring a smile to sick children in hospital.

This past week many of the donations have already been given away to sick children in intensive care at the Mater Children’s Hospital. A huge thank you to Sue for this fabulous idea and to all her friends for the generous gifts. You really have made some very sick children smile.

Check out Radio Lollipop volunteer Carol Jelley who co-ordinated the donation, Chairperson Melissa Dixon and Director, Sandra Ursino with all the toys.

Be part of something wonderful with Radio Lollipop Edinburgh

Time is ticking… so you don’t want to be late… for this very very important date… Over half the tickets are now sold for the Radio Lollipop Edinburgh Ball 2013, but you can still find wonderful offers for a top night out that you will feel good about the next day at… http://rldo.radiolollipop.org/edinburghball

The first Radio Lollipop Ball was held in 2007 and this year sees Radio Lollipop holding it’s seventh event. Over the course of the previous six events, the Ball has raised in excess of £70,000 for Radio Lollipop. This is a fantastic sum to have raised and goes a long way to ensuring that Radio Lollipop, here in Edinburgh, at The Royal Hospital for Sick Children continues to provide a play, care, comfort and entertainment service to children and their families whilst in hospital.

The Mad Hatter Ball 2013 is taking place on Friday 4th October at the Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh.

Supporter Packages already snapped up…

  • Get Swept Away supporter package – Thomson Gray
  • Cocktails and dreams supporter package – Forbo Flooring Systems

Packages still available…

  • Party Pack
  • Heightened Party Pack
  • Mad Hatter Packages
  • Meet Me in Wonderland

We look forward to seeing you there!

http://rldo.radiolollipop.org/edinburghball

Photo: Sharon Roberton (of Thomson Gray) and Scott Wilson at last year’s event

Singer-songwriter Sam Evans plays Radio Lollipop Bristol

Young musician Sam Evans, accompanied by Andy Slade, brought live music to Radio Lollipop Bristol on Thursday 4th July.

As part of the Thursday night show Sam, 17 and Andy, 18 joined Bristol’s very own DJ Spinelle as part of Radio Lollipop’s 2 hour broadcast across the hospital. As well as being able to tune into the Radio from the wards, patients, siblings and parents were also invited to join in on the fun in the studio where they could watch the music being made and request songs in person.

Sam on the guitar and vocals and Andy on the drums and sax played a variety of covers as well as some original songs from Sam’s newly released album. DJ Spinelle made sure the boys didn’t get away too easily though and grilled them with some really searching questions to make sure the listeners truly got to know them.

In true Lollipop fashion the fun was also continued out into the play room, where the Lolli-Vollies hosted a range of craft activities and games for the hospital’s children and parents alike which included stained glass window painting, hop scotch and badge making. During the song breaks Sam and Andy even joined in on the action and learnt how to spin plates as volunteers taught the children some circus skills.

Speaking of his visit, Sam said “After singing at Radio Lollipop Birmingham, I was inspired by the way music can really be uplifting to children in hospital. The songs I write are upbeat and positive and I feel very lucky to be able to share my gift with people to make them happier.”

DJ Spinelle added “The boys are excellent musicians and it’s been great to be able to play their music live on air.”

One listener and patient Alex Lacey, 16 very much enjoyed the show, saying “The live performances tonight were amazing and I think the boys are really talented. My favourite song from tonight was ‘How We Should Be Loved’ as it made me smile but mostly the best bit was being able to come into the studio and take part!”

Everyone at Radio Lollipop Bristol very much enjoyed having Sam and Andy to visit and the Thursday night live show proved to be real treat for all involved.

Listen to Sam Evans online at Sound Cloud:  http://www.soundcloud.com/sam-evans-acoustic