Hear the call for a hand from radio land

AFTER helping out so many, 104.9 Sunshine FM is asking for a hand.

The Sunshine Coast's only radio station for the over-50s wants to raise $100,000 to replace ageing equipment - some pieces as old as the station itself.

Starting tomorrow, the Buderim-based station will conduct a radiothon all week to raise the funds necessary to maintain its high quality of radio broadcasts.

The station plays hits from the late 1950s, '60s and the early '70s 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Manager Ken O'Flaherty said the station's budget was not being met.

"We have a budget between $200,000, $250,000 per year just to keep it on air," he said.

"We want to raise at least $100,000 for a whole range of things. Some of our equipment hasn't been replaced since we started up more than 10 years ago."

Items at the top of the list are a new computer system and a small business server.

Money raised would also go towards maintaining the library and paying rent and licensing fees.

Mr O'Flaherty said 104.9 had between 45,000 to 60,000 listeners throughout the Coast.

"We're a necessary service. People over the age of 50 enjoy the music," he said.

"It's a real comfort in the late hours of the evening for those bedridden or those in retirement villages."

The station also allows free air time to any non-for-profit organisation, including sports and services clubs, to allow them to promote upcoming events.

"To provide this community service we rely on sponsors, membership fees and the occasional grant. We don't receive any government funding," he said.

The station's last radiothon six years ago was a great success.

Volunteers will be manning the phones between 8am-6pm from tomorrow to Friday.

To make a donation, phone 54561855.