Special need to help radio appeal | Ipswich Community | Stories about People from Ipswich

ON AIR- Alison Fyfe of River 94.9 interviews little Hayley and her mum Rebecca Larrigan for the Variety Appeal.

Queensland Times

OPENING their airwaves in an unprecedented radio charity extravaganza, the River 94.9 Variety Appeal kicks off today.

Supported by Ipswich City Council, Channel Nine and The Queensland Times, the appeal hopes to raise thousands of dollars to benefit organisations such as the Ipswich Special School.

Principal Paul Davis said the school catered for 152 students aged three to 19, who have a variety of intellectual, physical or multiple disabilities.

He said 21 of their students had a range of specialised equipment needs, such as walking frames, therapy chairs and a motor skills development set.

“The equipment would have a lasting impact of their ability to function independently and meet daily challenges,” Mr Davis said.

He said currently the students shared equipment, where as ideally they should have individual pieces to themselves.

School physiotherapist Andrew Griffin said among the requests was a specialised standing frame for five-year-old Joshua.

“It would give him a different view of the world and also help improve bone density, stretch the muscles, as well as help with self-esteem and gastrointestinal function,” Mr Griffin said.

River 94.9 general manager David Greenwood said the aim was to support the children's charity in a way that would truly meet the needs of local sick, disabled or disadvantaged children.

“We know Variety has helped make a difference to the lives of a lot of local children in the past but they have urgent requests for help every month,” Mr Greenwood said. “Variety Friday is a great way the community and River 94.9 can work together and provide life-changing equipment.”

To donate call 3367 6999 or visit www.varietyqld.org.au.