UPDATE: 6:05 p.m.

We came so close to $30,000 – but we still smashed our goal.

As of 6 p.m., after 12 hours live on air, the total raised was $29,464.

We're no longer taking phone calls, but you can still donate online to the Variety radiothon.

---

UPDATE: 5:40 p.m.

With just 20 minutes to go, we've smashed our goal and are heading for $30,000.

There's still time to donate – click or call now!

All your donations help kids with special needs in the Okanagan.

---

UPDATE: 4:40 p.m.

We've officially beaten our goal – and last year's total!

The SOFT 103.9 Variety radiothon now stands at $24,569, and there's still time to donate.

Our crew of call-takers is at the ready until 6 p.m.

The big jump came courtesy of husband and wife Kevin Bennett and Leah Larson, who each donated $2,500.

Keep those donations coming in!

---

UPDATE: 4:30 p.m.

With just an hour and a half to go, the SOFT 103.9 Variety radiothon is just $500 shy of its $20,000 goal, and $2,000 away from last year's total.

Donations continue to roll in, and it looks like we'll top $20,000 – but will we beat last year?

Call or click now to push us over the top!

---

UPDATE: 3 p.m.

With just three hours to go, we're closing in on our goal at the SOFT 103.9 Variety radiothon.

We're currently just over $16,000 and growing – but we've got a ways to go to beat last year's total of $22,000.

Call or donate online now to help push us over the top!

Click on the image above to be taken directly to the donate page, read below for other ways to donate.

---

UPDATE: 1 p.m.

All monies raised today during the SOFT 103.9 Variety Radiothon stays here in the Okanagan to help children in need.

Children like Abbiegayle O'Grady.

The Grade 2 student dropped by the SOFT 103.9 studios during the lunch hour and said thanks to Variety, she can hear again.

"I got hearing aids, and now I can hear better," she told host Kevin Rothwell.

"Now I don't have to sit in the front of the class. I can sit anywhere."

Abbiegayle says she doesn't have to say 'pardon me' every time the teacher says something.

"She couldn't hear for about a year and a half," said her mom, Deanna Crook-O'Grady.

"Variety helped us with these state of the art hearing aids. She now hears like everyone else when they are in."

Abbiegayle's is just one of hundreds of stories of children whose lives have been made better thanks to your donations to Variety.

---

UPDATE: 11:40 a.m.

We've got a "lunchtime special" coming up during the SOFT 103.9 Variety radiothon.

Over the lunch hour, from noon to 1 p.m., we've set a fundraising goal of bringing at least $2,000.

And to help you out, The Jammery, is sponsoring some great incentives, says Aly Karim, events manager with Variety.

For the first 15 minutes, The Jammery will quadruple any donation up to $500.

And for the last 45 minutes, it will double donations up to $500.

Get those phones ringing!

---

UPDATE: 9:30 a.m.

SOFT 103.9's Variety radiothon has topped $2,000, and donations are starting to come in quickly.

We'll keep you updated throughout the day as the total grows and families that benefit from Variety come into the studio to share their stories.

We're looking to beat last year's total of $22,000 by 6 p.m.

Keep those donations coming!

---

ORIGINAL: 6 a.m.

Variety Radiothon day is here.

All day, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., SOFT 103.9 is broadcasting live from the Castanet studios in support of Variety, the children's charity.

Last year, we raised $22,000.

Check back throughout the day, as we update this story with fundraising totals and interviews with some of the families who have been helped by your donations.

We'll be live streaming the radiothon in our front page video player. 

The studio is sure to be abuzz with activity as Variety volunteers man the phone lines to take your pledges and Variety's special kids stop by to visit.

There are three ways to donate:

• Phone – 310-KIDS
• Online – https://www.variety.bc.ca/event/variety-kelowna-radiothon/
• In person at our office – 455 Lawrence Ave.