WANGARATTA and its surrounds are well-known for generosity when it comes to an important cause, and the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal is always strongly supported in the district.
In Wangaratta itself, the city's donation total for the annual fundraiser is tipped to pass $3 million in 2025.
This total includes all donations gathered in the years since the rural city's entry to the RCH appeal in 1969, and a large portion of that has been handed to volunteers manning and walking alongside CFA trucks on Good Friday itself.
The sound of fire sirens ringing through the district is a tradition closely associated with the day for local residents, and CFA members along with volunteer community members will be out in force again this Friday to receive donations as they travel around urban streets and past rural homes.
Volunteers will also be at Wangaratta's central traffic lights rattling tins to gather donations.
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CFA is calling on locals, and all Victorians, to dig deep for the annual appeal, as it also aims to reach a historic milestone this year: raising a grand total of $40 million since its first involvement in 1951.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the image of CFA volunteers in their firefighting gear collecting donations had become an iconic part of Good Friday.
"A significant number of our CFA members will be out in force again this year, and it's just one of the things that truly defines the spirit of the Good Friday Appeal," he said.
"Our long-standing partnership with the Good Friday Appeal is not possible without the incredible generosity and passion of our CFA volunteers who give up their time year after year to raise funds for kids who are in need of care.
"So, this Friday, give what you can to a firey – and help us make a difference."
Members of the community are encouraged to look out for CFA crews in their local area and to donate generously; every dollar makes a difference to the lives of children and families across the state.
Anyone who would like to volunteer to help with collection of donations can contact Wangaratta and district Good Friday Appeal coordinator Alex Carmody on 0428 120 310.
For more information on how to support the Good Friday Appeal, visit www.goodfridayappeal.com.au
Boorhaman Hotel gears up for fundraiser
PLANS are set for Boorhaman Hotel’s annual Good Friday Appeal event in support of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Boorhaman’s Good Friday activities start with local fire trucks visiting homes and volunteers rattling tins, with the event at the hotel to begin at 2pm.
A major highlight will again be the Ducky Drop fundraiser, where 200 rubber ducks will be dropped from a helicopter at 4pm and prizes awarded for those which lands closest to and furthest from the pin.
Other activities will include yabby races, raffles, lucky dips, and face-painting for the kids, while an auction will be held from 5pm, featuring a range of good and services.
For more information, contact the hotel on 5726 9335.
McEvoy Tavern has a big day planned too
MCEVOY Tavern in Eldorado will be holding their ‘Family Fun Day’ Good Friday Appeal fundraiser for their fourth consecutive year on Friday, 18 April, opening at 12pm.
Over the past three years, upwards of $50,000 has gone directly to the appeal, raised from the event organised by Eldorado resident Molly Chambeyron.
Ms Chambeyron has promised an exciting day for the whole family; with an Easter egg hunt, face painting, Harley rides and a monster auction.
A “huge craft room” for all the kids to use, an appearance from the Easter bunny and the crowd-favourite ferret racing is also in store, and the LARP [live action role players group] are also on board.
For those interested in volunteering, you can contact Ms Chambeyron on 0417 405 669.
Glenrowan CFA out collecting
LISTEN out for sirens in your street this Good Friday as the Glenrowan CFA makes their way through the district.
They’ll be at Hamilton Park at 9.30am before making their way through Glenrowan and later surrounding areas including Greta.
