With CKUA’s 2026 Spring Fundraiser just around the corner, now’s a great time to shine the spotlight on our Leadership Donors.
These everyday heroes donate at a level of $1,000 or more before our on-air fundraising campaigns start. Their donations are used to create a pool used during specific times to match new one-time and monthly contributions. In short, Leadership Donors make Double and Triple Your Dollar Hours possible!
So, what inspires Leadership Donors’ generosity? Why do they feel it’s important to support CKUA and inspire others to donate? We asked two Leadership Donors why they give to hear what inspires them to lead by example.
Liam Connolly is a lifelong listener who first discovered CKUA through Friday Night Blues Party. Although the show remains a favourite to this day, he quickly realized the vast musical variety is what made CKUA special to him.
For Liam, CKUA represents “unpredictability” and a welcome change of pace from more conventional radio stations. As a Leadership Donor, he gives at a high level to ensure CKUA continues to create space for musical discovery.
“The world has such a vast and diverse catalogue of music that most people never hear,” he explains. “I just want to give people a chance to hear something and go, ‘oh, that is really cool, what is that?’”
Liam believes that people should feel good knowing that their donation helps keep CKUA on the air. “It lets people hear such a wide variety of music that could inspire them.”
Like Liam, fellow Leadership Donor Marilyn Hooper CKUA’s values musical variety, having been a devoted listener since 1980. “I am a music fan who is always looking for more,” she says. “More artists to know about, more songs to enjoy, more albums to add to my personal collection.”
In addition to variety, Marilyn also appreciates the personal connection she feels to the station. “When I text or call, the response is rapid. I can connect with hosts to make a comment or suggest a song. To me, it is an antidote to corporate radio.”
Marilyn also deeply values her connection to the CKUA community. “No matter where I go in this province, or even out of it … if I meet a CKUA listener, I know I am in for a great conversation about music, artists, and concerts and music in general.”
Having experienced the station going off the air in 1997, continued giving was a natural choice for Marilyn. “[The 1997 shutdown] made me realize just how precious [CKUA] was to me. Being a monthly donor and a Leadership Donor connects me in with those who feel the same and do not want to lose our station again.”
Her message to new donors is simple: take the leap and feel great! “CKUA is an amazing radio station and amazing community connector.”
Thank you to Liam, Marilyn, and all of our Leadership Donors. Your support will help make our 2026 Spring Fundraiser another resounding success, and your generosity will continue to inspire others to join the CKUA community.
Ready to give? Join our Leadership Donors with a gift of $1,000 or more and help power moments that inspire others, strengthen our community, and keep the music playing at CKUA.
