We know that Western Australians are a generous bunch. We see it year after year, when Telethon donations eclipse the previous years’ records – and, of course, this year was no different. So, it should come as no surprise that West Aussies have once again rallied to support Telethon Speech & Hearing’s (TSH) Loud Shirt Day fundraiser – smashing the record amount for funds raised for children with hearing loss, speech difficulties or language delays.

​

Dressed in their loudest, most colourful shirts, corporates, individuals, schools and clubs joined forces to raise over $140,000 this year. While this remarkable collective effort contributes much-needed funds to help support WA kids in need, it also elevates awareness about the impact of hearing loss on kids.

​

“One in 500 children in Australia will go to school with a hearing loss, and one in four kids will need a speech or language program,” explains TSH CEO Mark Fitzpatrick. “It is crucial that we share the important message that, through early detection and ongoing support, we can help kids with hearing loss to hear and speak.”

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

In a hotly-contested race to become TSH’s ‘loudest supporter’, two proudly Western Australian organisations, Shelford Constructions and Office Fitout Professionals, went head-to-head in a good-natured Loud Shirt Day fundraising challenge.

​

Evenly matched for most of the race, it was ultimately the team from Shelford Constructions that came out on top, with an impressive final tally of $26,056 - more than double their record amount from last year.

​

“We have been proud supporters of TSH for many years,” explained Shelford Constructions managing director John Mijacika. “So, when the challenge from Scott and the Office Fitout team came in, we knew we had to raise our game. Fair play to them for pushing us all the way.”

​

Scotch College, based in Swanbourne, was the top school fundraiser, raising a total of $6,508.

​

Although Loud Shirt Day was officially held on Friday 20 October, it was celebrated throughout the Telethon Weekend, and funds raised were channeled towards Telethon Speech & Hearing in Western Australia, as well as similar organisations across Australia.

​

Pencil in Loud Shirt Day 2024 for Friday 18 October, as it promises to be even bigger, better and louder. TSH would like to encourage all businesses, schools, community organisations, sports clubs and individuals to join the loud revolution by signing up to our mailing list here.