Community
4 April, 2024
Donations soar for Good Friday Appeal
COMMUNITIES across the south west dug deep as part of a successful Good Friday Appeal last week.
The regional tally for 2024 surged to $5,261,913 as the community dug deep for an important cause.
The final tally for the 2024 Good Friday Appeal reached a staggering $23,368,724.
Among the local efforts was Caramut raising $1798, Ecklin collecting $604.55, Garvoc smashed its own fundraising record with $36,109 raised, Mortlake totalled $4373 and Terang, with support from the 1st Noorat Scouts shaking tins, added $9294 to the tally.
A spokesperson for the fundraising efforts in Terang, which also includes Noorat and Kolora, offered thanks to the Scouts and volunteers for their role in doorknocking on the day.
“The kids did a great job; when their legs were tired and sore, they did some reflecting and thought there are kids in hospital today who are doing it tough,” the spokesperson said.
“They walked and walked until they couldn’t anymore, so they did a wonderful job.
“It’s a good total so we’re all very happy with it – we’re so thankful to the Terang, Noorat and Kolora communities for their support and we’re very happy with the outcome.
“Thank you to the volunteers who also assisted on the day, we had quite a few supporters there to help along the way.”
Good Friday Appeal Garvoc area manager Cate Kelly said the result for Garvoc had surged past its previous record, $26,665, by more than $9400.
“I don’t know how we reached that total; the Garvoc Community Goods and Services Auction and the doorknock efforts raised $23,100,” she said.
“The rest of the money will have come from online donations directly to the Good Friday Appeal.
“There have clearly been very generous donations online which could have come from Garvoc, Panmure and Laang.
“It is wonderful to see because the Royal Children’s Hospital is overwhelmed with the generosity of the community.
“They sing our praises because of the generous donations every year, from people individually and businesses.”
The Good Friday Appeal made an historic
change this year, with funds to flow to regional health services for the first time in the 93-year history of the Appeal.
Ms Kelly said she was pleased to see the change helping to support the regions.
“I am pleased to see money coming back in to the regional areas,” she said.
“This will help local communities; it can be as simple as additional resources for skyping from emergency departments to the Royal Children’s Hospital, to having resources linking specialist support while kids are awaiting care.”
Ms Kelly thanked all those who generously donated.
“It’s overwhelming,” she said.
“We are very thankful to the community.
“We can’t thank everyone enough for their willingness to dig deep and throw their support behind this cause.”
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,” she 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.
“Thank you to both the Federal and State Governments for their generous contributions to the appeal, ensuring it remains a world-class facility helping sick children and their families.”