Marking its 21st anniversary, the annual charity event raises funds for cancer research in Luxembourg. On Friday, VIPs will be pedaling away on RTL City's spinning bikes.
The Télévie never stops, but now sees its most active fundraising period, with the big closing day on 22 April 2023 when the total sum of donations and raised funds raised is announced. Here is a short explainer article surrounding the event.
Ahead of Friday's Spinning Challenge at RTL, Télévie coordinator Diane Wunsch joined Melissa Dalton on The Home Stretch, explaining why the event plays such a crucial role in the community coming together against cancer. Everybody is welcome to contribute throughout the year, not just in the current Télévie period.
"We collect donations throughout the year to support cancer research here in Luxembourg. We started in 2002 with a focus on leukemia research for children," says Wunsch. 3,000 adults and children are diagnosed with cancer here every year.
A lot of money is needed to drive this research forward and unlock new treatments, explains Wunsch. "Last year, in 2022, we collected over €2,060,000. That's because people support us, trust us, and know money goes to the right place." Télévie works together with a handful of local organisations, hospitals and research institutes.
There are a lot of cool events taking place around this period, including comedy nights, cycling, cooking clubs, sports clubs and more. "Everybody who wants to do something for Télévie, just call me and I will help guide you."
Hear the full interview with Diane Wunsch:
Pedal to the metal at RTL City
At RTL City, a large-scale Spinning Challenge was organised, involving over 180 people spread across 22 teams. Between 3.30-7.30pm, this sporty folk - including the RTL Today team - pedalled non-stop, raising money for every kilometre cycled.
VIPs included Paulette Lenert (Minister of Health), Georges Engel (Minister of Sport), Tom Flammang (former professional cyclist), Christophe Goossens (CEO of RTL) and Yannick Lieners (triathlete).
"It's about making an effort. When you have cancer, you are fighting," says Wunsch. "We should never forget why we are doing this spinning challenge: To show the fighters we are spinning for them."
For more information and donating, see the Télévie website.
