Community
5 April, 2024
District digs deep
SOUTH west residents have dug deep for this year’s Good Friday Appeal, with over $100,000 raised in Warrnambool.
As of 11.30pm last Friday, Warrnambool’s tally stood at an incredible $100,690.
The Warrnambool Fire Brigade once again organised a group of more than 100 volunteers (including 12 scouts) who headed out on foot and on fire trucks on Friday morning, shaking tins across the city’s streets and public areas.
“Our walking collection raised $29,806.50 which was terrific,” brigade secretary Aaron Huttig said.
“Although this was down slightly on last year’s $31,500 we understand that times are tough and more people are going cashless and donating online.
“We are extremely thankful to the people who deliberately went and withdrew cash just to put into the collection tins, as well as to all others who generously donated or gave their time to collect.”
The 91st annual Good Friday Appeal raised a record-breaking $22,328,154 – smashing last year’s tally of $17.1m; with the regional tally standing at just over $5.2 million.
Figures released at 11.30pm last Friday showed Garvoc had raised $36,109, Port Fairy $24,828 and Koroit $9,407.
For the first time in its history, this year’s appeal will also support regional paediatric health services including those at Bendigo and the Grampians.
The funds will be used to support training, scholarships and state of the art equipment to improve the experience and outcomes of children receiving care in regional settings – helping to keep children closer to home and increase capability in the regions.
Good Friday Appeal chair Penny Fowler said the funds raised for the Royal Children’s Hospital showcased the best of communities across Victoria.
“Giving for the kids is what the Good Friday Appeal is all about, and the appeal continues to shine a light on the generosity and support of the Victorian community,” Ms Fowler said.
“This year’s appeal is no exception, with people across the state continuing to show what big hearts they have, especially in light of cost of living challenges.
“We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers and communities in Victoria who gave in any way they could, for The Royal Children’s Hospital.”
Good Friday Appeal executive director Rebecca Cowan said funds this year would go directly towards new and ongoing programs including extending Child Life Therapy into the Emergency Department, increasing community health literacy, purchasing an ultrasound machine and a new RETCAM tool.
The funds raised will also be invested into studies and programs that support the diagnosis or treatment of epilepsy, sepsis, Diabetes1 and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.
“Each year, we’re absolutely amazed by the support of hundreds of thousands of Victorians uniting to give generously, ensuring our children will continue to receive the highest quality care,” Ms Cowan said.
