HOT 102.7FM was broadcasting live from 06:00 to 18:30 and taking pledges throughout the day, as the station's presenters manned phone lines and took in donations from individuals and companies, all for a good cause.
The initial goal was R20-million, with HOT 102.7FM having raised R19.4-million in 2023, but such was the response received on the day that that number was surpassed by 17:45 and an incredible further R7.5-million was raised by the time the pledge lines closed at 18:25, says the radio station.
"This is such a big day for us and such an important part of what HOT 102.7FM does," says Lloyd Madurai, Managing Director of HOT 102.7FM. "Playing the best 'Old Skool' and R&B music and having the maximum fun possible is pretty cool, but I've always maintained that the platform we have is just as important, and this platform allows us to make a material difference to the lives of those around us — in particular, those lives less fortunate than ours."
Hot Cares is a registered non-profit company, with Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) status, and strives to make a meaningful difference to the lives of those around it, says the radio station.
HOT 102.7FM says that since it went live in 2021, it has dedicated its efforts to providing much-needed assistance to those who find themselves in difficult circumstances, with a focus on four key areas:
- humanitarian and welfare
- medical
- educational, and
- animal welfare.
The money, goods and services raised at Teddython will provide Hot Cares with the means to continue doing the work it does over the next year. That includes a range of sustainable initiatives, from regular programmes to once-off interventions, says the radio station.
According to the radio station, the work Hot Cares does include:
- running a weekly soup kitchen for the homeless
- helping develop crèches in informal settlements
- running food banks for those in need and have no income to feed their families
- assisting entrepreneurs and NPOs who require guidance, resources and awareness of their programmes
- providing medical assistance
- assisting with educational bursaries for students and the upliftment of schools
- supporting various animal shelters, and
- providing much-needed assistance to individuals who just need a helping hand.
"When we raised over R19-million last year, I was blown away and never thought it was possible to top that, but our listeners and incredible partners never stop surprising me with their generosity," says Madurai. "Let's not forget just how tough times are, economically. So, to see individuals and corporates reach into their own pockets to this extent really is incredible and speaks to the type of loyalty and good faith we've been able to build with our audience these past three years."
HOT 102.7FM concludes that the Hot Cares department now has a big task on its hands, sifting through the thousands of donations, collecting the money and planning how best to use it over the coming year — with many of those interventions set to feature on the various Hot Cares segments on air at HOT 102.7FM over the next 12 months.
*Image courtesy of contributor