CKUA surpasses spring fundraising goal [Video]

CKUA Radio launched its spring fundraising campaign Friday morning in an effort to prevent shutting its doors for good.

The 96-year-old broadcaster will have two special live-broadcasts from the Alberta Hotel located at 9804 Jasper Avenue. Friday’s fundraiser ran from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a musical performance by The Brasstactics and Saturday’s event will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

With more than 5,000 contributions, CKUA and Albertans have raised $1.1 million so far, surpassing the original goal of $775,000 for the event. The radio station needs to raise $3 million by the end of September in order to stay on the air.

“The outpouring of support, donations and just well wishes has been beyond imaginable,” said Marc Carnes, CEO of CKUA. “One of my staff members says it’s like the world’s biggest group hug.”

“But it’s not over, and we’re not where we need to be …