A charity that provides comfort, music and entertainment to children in hospitals across Western Australia (WA) will receive over $4,500 in funding from Optus, as part of the Optus Connecting Communities Grant Program.

The financial support, awarded to Radio Lollipop WA, will allow the entertainment charity to broadcast music, stories, games and competitions to five hospitals across the state. The not-for-profit organisation helps children and adolescents connect through a radio program, providing a positive distraction in their time of need.

"Children who spend a lot of time in hospital for serious or chronic conditions are often isolated from their peers and the wider community. This generous grant from Optus will enable us to upgrade the equipment in the Radio Lollipop Studio and provide the children and volunteers with access to a fully functional studio, making a positive difference in the lives of sick children," Robyn De Boni, Honourable Chairperson at Radio Lollipop, WA.

"Radio Lollipop WA is a fantastic service to help young people in hospital feel less isolated and engage with others in similar situations," Jann Kohlman, Optus Group Manager, Sponsorship and Community Programs said.

"We look forward to connecting more children with Radio Lollipop as the initiative rolls out to additional hospitals, especially in regional Western Australia," Ms Kohlman said.

This year, Optus awarded close to $150,000 to 31 Australian not-for-profit organisations, as part of its annual Optus Connecting Communities Grants Program. The funding, of up to $5,000 per project, will help reduce social isolation for those in need and reconnect disengaged youth in the community. It is an essential part of Optus' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Radio Lollipop was nominated by an Optus employee, as staff were strongly encouraged to apply on behalf of not-for-profit organisations.

"I am delighted Optus staff nominated so many worthy projects for support. Optus employees are involved in many community organisations in their own personal lives and Optus is proud to support the communities in which we live and work," Ms Kohlman said.

In addition to the Community Grants Program, Optus supports 13 charity partners nationally, including Mission Australia, World Vision, Youth off the Streets and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Kids Helpline and The Starlight Children's Foundation.

Media contact:
Tracy Woodley
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 5302