Through its on 21 May, SBS Radio has generated more than $25,000 in donations for delivering urgent medical supplies including oxygen equipment to coronavirus-ravaged India.
The appeal was launched in collaboration with UNICEF Australia on 17 May, in which people were urged to donate using the link .
For those who still wish to do their bit, the donation page is active till 30 May.
On 21 May, the South Asian language programs of SBS, like Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil, and Malayalam supported by Bangla, Urdu, Nepali, and Sinhala ran a six-hour-long radiothon on radio and Facebook to encourage their social media followers and radio listeners to donate money to help save lives in India.
Our anchors and producers engaged guests, including opposition leader Anthony Albanese and members of the Indian community, in our Sydney and Melbourne studios. Many South Asian-origin artists also performed live to attract donations for this cause.
David Hua, Director SBS Audio and Language Content, said SBS is “extremely proud of what the radiothon has achieved.
SBS Gujarati Executive Producer Nital Desai with UNICEF Australia Director of International Programs Felicity Butler-Wever in Sydney studio. Source: Yutong Ding
“Our goal was to tell the important stories and bring the community together in these difficult times and we would like the thank the very diverse community for embracing and supporting this effort,” he said.
“The appeal gave our many communities an opportunity to come together as one and send their support to the people of India during this difficult time. I am pleased that UNICEF Australia can bring much-needed PPE, vaccines and oxygen to those in need.
“It was wonderful to see our Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Malayalam and Tamil teams produce high-quality content for the radiothon, but especially inspiring to see how our Nepali, Bangla, Urdu and Sinhala teams provided them full support too,” Mr Hua added.
Felicity Butler-Wever, UNICEF Australia’s Director of International Programs, said her organisation was grateful to SBS for hosting this appeal, especially when some SBS staff had been personally impacted by India’s COVID-19 health emergency.
SBS Malayalam producer Delys Paul with Dr Vinay Lakra. Source: SBS
“It was wonderful to see people from the community, singers, politicians and staff on the ground in India – all sharing their stories and messages of hope,” Ms Butler-Wever said.
“The situation in India and the South Asia region sadly remains grim with India alone recording four new cases every second and more than two deaths every minute. Along with the increase in COVID-19 cases, the impact on children being affected by the virus has also increased, leading to dire consequences for their access to essential health, child protection and education services,” she added.
Ms Butler-Wever said the funds raised during the radiothon will help support UNICEF teams on the ground in India with their lifesaving response.
Federal Opposition leader Anthony Albanese, who called in during the live program, said his “heart goes out to those Australian-Indians who have lost family members in India”.
“I think the most devastating fact or thought I have had – those children who are separated from their parents in Australia and are unable to get back,” Mr Albanese said.
Immigration minister Alex Hawke thanked SBS Radio for organising this appeal to help India.
“This is a devastating time for all of us, for India, and those who have friends and families overseas. We pray for them. All of our thoughts and prayers in Australia are for people in India at this difficult time,” Mr Hawke said in a recorded message.
“As a close friend and partner, Australia stands with India and with the Australian-Indian community as it battles this crisis. We will continue to provide support wherever we can,” Mr Hawke added.
SBS’ South Asian language teams produced 32 videos, including messages from the Indian High Commissioner in Australia Manpreet Vohra, Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, CEO of Western Bulldogs Ameet Bains, country music artist Bobby Cash, frontline healthcare workers and volunteers in India, and most importantly, the ground zero reports about the pandemic in India.
SBS producer MP Singh with Punjabi folk singer Davindar Dharia during the Radiothon that was broadcast live on a big screen at Melbourne's Federation Square. Source: SBS
SBS Acting Program Manager Manpreet Singh with SBS Punjabi Acting Executive Producer Avneet Arora updating viewers about the Radiothon. SBS Source: SBS
These videos were live on our Facebook pages and the big screen at Melbourne's Federation Square during the six-hour-long radiothon on 21 May.
Indian High Commissioner to Australia Manpreet Vohra also commended SBS for organising the timely appeal.
“We are grateful for the solidarity and support already received by India from Australian people, including Indian-Australians,” Mr Vohra said in a special message to SBS.
“A global pandemic requires a global response and I have no doubts that together with Australia and other partners, we shall prevail and we shall overcome,” he added.
SBS radio listeners and followers responded generously to the SBS India COVID Appeal Radiothon with their donations and messages.
“My thoughts are with those in India and your friends and family across the globe,” Fiona wrote.
“Beloved India, you have given us so much! We give back to you,” wrote Peter.
“Whether or not we have family or friends in India, this unfolding tragedy in India impacts each one of us around the world. Praying for the well-being of one and all,” an anonymous donor wrote.
“Sending love and hope and money,” said Judy.
“Thanks SBS team for this great (effort). Brothers and sisters in India, we all are with you,” Anita wrote.
“Let's pray that Waheguru (god according to the Sikh faith) blesses everyone in India and gives strength to overcome this difficult time,” wrote Navneet Singh.
“Thank you for organising the fundraiser. I wish the donation reaches the ones who need it (the) most,” said Bhaumik.
“Your teamwork and SBS's COVID Appeal reflect the best of the multicultural fabric of our nation and generosity of Australia! Salute you all and my best wishes to SBS and UNICEF in this noble effort,” wrote Sunil Vyas on Facebook.
“It is a very noble initiative that SBS has taken. All my wishes are with you. The programming team has made the program very interesting. Good to see so many people connected for one cause,” Jayjit Trivedi wrote.
With the help of all friends of India, SBS and UNICEF have been able to raise more than $25,000 through this appeal. All donations above $2 are tax-deductible.
