Sarah-Jane Tasker: There’s not much positive news in the world, but WA will come together for Telethon weekend

Tell me you’re from WA without telling me you’re from WA — mention Telethon. As Baz, my opinion column buddy highlights, it is the most successful television fundraiser in the world. It truly is amazing in terms of its massive reach into households across this beautiful State. Watching Telethon was a family event in my home growing up. We’d camp out to watch the rolling coverage and always tried to get our favourite celebrity manning the phone room to take our call. Beyond that, supporting the cause, and the passion to help sick kids was ingrained in us growing up. It wasn’t until I lived out of WA, first London and then Sydney over 14 years, did I realise how unique this event really is and understood the overwhelming generosity of West Australians. There hasn’t been a lot of positive news around these past few weeks but one thing I can be positive about is I know the people of this State will always push aside any differences and come together over Telethon weekend. The cost-of-living challenges means many families are doing it tough but that giving spirit always shines through, as even the smallest donation can help make a difference. The annual tradition has carried on in our family and it’s heartening to see my 15-year-old niece already planning her all-night Telethon viewing plan for this weekend. Now she just needs her donation to be read out by Home & Away’s Matt Evans — maybe my column buddy Baz can help with that.