It was the 11th Compassion Day radio-a-thon that the Christian child development has held, and the event saw 6540 children sponsored between 1999 and 2009. While Compassion had hoped to sponsor up to 1600 children, Compassion Australia CEO Paul O'Rourke said he is thrilled with the outcome.
"Compassion Day is all about the children. It is about standing up and giving a voice to those who have no voice, whether that's for one child or a thousand," Mr O'Rourke said.
"Every Compassion Day is a significant day because it ushers more and more children into our programs to start the process of being released from poverty, some of the children around the world who lack access to healthcare, an education, hygiene supplies and proper nutritionâ€"all the things that child sponsorship provides.
"I'd like to thank the 42 radio stations across the country involved. Today they became advocates for the poor across a nation, dedicating 16 hours of airtime that impacted 412 children.
"Listeners opened their hearts to these children by becoming their sponsors."
With a focus on Kenya, listeners of 42 Christian radio stations heard heartbreaking stories from multiple children of this impoverished country, a place where 20 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line, 1.2 million people are living with HIV and AIDS, 2.5 million children are orphans and where a third of women between 15 and 49 have suffered from genital mutilation.
Though the national tally centre was headquartered from Compassion Australia's office in Warabrook NSW, a highlight of the day was a live performance by Australian Idol winner Stan Walker during Hope 103.2's broadcast from Parramatta Mall, where V8 racing car driver Andrew Fisher, Parramatta Eels players and Australia singer Darlene Zschech also joined together in support for Compassion.
Compassion is an international Christian holistic child development and child advocacy ministry committed to working in partnership with local churches to foster the spiritual, economic, social, physical and emotional development of children living in extreme poverty in over 26 countries. For more information, visit www.compassionday.com.au