SBS will host a radiothon on Sunday 18 September to raise money in support of UNICEF Australia’s Pakistan Flood Emergency Appeal.
The radiothon will be broadcast live via radio, Facebook and SBS online, and feature high profile guests including Pakistan-born Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja, senior community leaders and other public figures, and will share the message, “Pakistan, we stand with you and support affected communities.”
Devastating rains, floods and landslides have affected a third of Pakistan and more than 33 million people. There are reports that more than 1,200 people, including 400 children, have lost their lives in the disaster. Many families are now homeless and living without adequate shelter or access to basic necessities. Medicine, vaccines, clean water and sanitation supplies are urgently needed.
SBS’s Urdu language program will bring audiences live coverage from around Australia and Pakistan in a mixture of English and Urdu from 6pm-8pm AEST. The radiothon will feature interviews and international messages of support from Urdu-speaking community members, local leaders, and UNICEF Pakistan’s team on the ground.
Director SBS Audio and Language Content, David Hua, says, “SBS recognises the importance of banding together during times of need . Many Australians are very worried about the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan and want to help, but don’t know how.
“I hope that SBS’s radiothon provides a way for the community – especially Australians with links to people affected by the floods – to feel connected through a common cause.
“SBS is pleased to be partnering with UNICEF Australia again, knowing that whatever money gets raised will go directly to those in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.”
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja, says, “We know the effects of this massive flooding will be felt for years to come. Families’ lives have been turned upside down and they don’t have the benefit of the support systems we have in Australia when disaster strikes. I urge the community to support this appeal. Your generosity will make a difference.”