3FM Serious Request
For the 7th year, a glass house is build in Holland, where 3 DJs are locked up to spend the 6 days before Christmas, without food (only fluids) to present a radio program 24/7. The public can request records, but have to pay money in exchange. Lots of actions are organized all over the country and last year they raised more than 7 million Euro to help fight malaria in Africa.
This year the money will be used to help orphans who’s parents died of HIV/Aids. Very often they are left alone, without family or a house. Sometimes kids from 9-12 are left to take care of their younger brothers and sisters. The Red Cross has set up help programs, to give the orphans foster parents, food, eduction etc. “Aids took away their parents, let’s give them back their future.”
Of course you can listen to what’s happening on the radio, but there’s also a 24/7 TV broadcast and to many Dutchies this is the best TV of the year. Yes, that means lack of sleep for me too 🙂
The broadcast can be viewed worldwide, here’s a link to the webcam.
The ‘anthem’ this year is turning out to be ‘Hello’ by Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette. It’s a catchy song and everytime it’s requested the DJs go crazy. It gives them a boost and they don’t hold back letting know that this is their favourite at the moment: “people, please don’t stop requesting this song”.
Subtotal raised until today is € 1.755.088. Although more than last year at day 4, it’s not likely they will reach last year’s 7 mill. as the government already announced that – due to the recession – there won’t be any money added by them, like last year (money raised in 2009 was about 3.5 mill which the government doubled to 7 mill total). That’s a pity, but that could also be the reason why the public is giving more now.
The Glass House moves to another city each year and next year they will be in Leiden (my hometown). Already looking forward to it!
But let’s concentrate on 2010 and raise as much money as possible!
Chiel, Gerard and Coen, you are heroes! Respect!
