Amatrice Earthquake Appeal: Radiothon demonstrates generosity of the Italian community in Australia

The death toll reached 298, while thousands of residents were left displaced in the wake of the tragedy.

Led by president of Club Marconi, Vince Foti, The Amatrice Earthquake Appeal delegated Felice Montrone the task of organising a Radiothon on Rete Italia.

The Appeal collaborated with the Italian Media Corporation and Co.As.It Sydney to organise a live national broadcast which ran over five hours.

Paolo Rajo directed the Radiothon, while numerous public figures phoned in or dropped by the studio, such as the Italian Ambassador to Australia, Pier Francesco Zazo and president of the Episcopal Conference of Marche, Cardinal Edoardo Menichelli, alongside other politicians and leaders of community organisations.

The Radiothon was also officially opened by the mayor of Amatrice, Sergio Pirozzi.

The most touching contributions to the event came from members of the Italian community in Australia, who were at the forefront of the issue, offering a great display of solidarity towards their compatriots in Italy.

The community, as they have done on many occasions, became a united front and proved that they are always ready to stand together to overcome tragic circumstances with great generosity.

Donations rolled in not only from New South Wales and Victoria (the states with the largest Italian populations), but from all over the nation.

This widespread compassion saw the Radiothon raise a grand total of $78,178 AUD.

The success of Saturday’s Radiothon symbolises the collective effort of the Italian community in Australia, which will continue across all major cities over the coming weeks through various activities and pro-earthquake events.

The Radiothon was made possible through the hard work and dedication of numerous Co.As.It Sydney volunteers who, coordinated by Thomas Camporeale, kept the fundraiser alive by receiving continuous phone donations.

All donations must now be ‘formalised’ through cheque, credit card, direct debit or cash, as indicated in the donation module on page 13 of today’s editions of IL GLOBO and LA FIAMMA.