General News
13 April, 2022
Lone volunteer joins Good Friday Appeal
MORTLAKE is in desperate need of volunteers after just one person raised their hand to shake the tins for tomorrow’s annual Good Friday Appeal.
MORTLAKE is in desperate need of volunteers after just one person raised their hand to shake the tins for tomorrow’s annual Good Friday Appeal.
Good Friday Appeal area co-ordinator Wendy McKenzie said she had not had much luck in attracting volunteers for this year’s event.
“We desperately need volunteers this year,” she said.
“I hope I’ll be able to get enough to be able to cover some of the town and we’ve just got to be happy with that.
“Volunteers are welcome to come and give it a go, even if they only have half an hour to collect along the one street.”
Covering the Mortlake area effectively would normally require more than 20 people, according to Mrs McKenzie, but a lower number of volunteers has cast doubt on how much of the town can be covered.
“We usually start at 9am and finish at 2.30-3pm at the latest, but this year I’ll just keep walking until I’m tired,” she said.
“A lot of local businesses have agreed to display a tin to collect donations, which has been really good of them.”
The event may mark the final time Mrs McKenzie co-ordinates the local appeal after serving in the role for the past 12 years, with the search for a new co-ordinator underway.
“I started collecting the first year when the girls and I at the Mortlake ANZ Bank wanted to support one of our colleagues,” she said.
“When her granddaughter was born, she was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital and we decided to volunteer in support.
“I could probably name 15 families whose children have been at the Royal Children’s Hospital during my 20 years in the region.
“I’m incredibly lucky none of my children or grandchildren have had to go there but it is a vital service, and I’ve been proud to
support it.”
Mrs McKenzie said she hopes to hand the reigns to someone with a passion for supporting both the community and the Royal Children’s Hospital, who can bring a fresh, enthusiastic approach.
“I would love someone with a passion for the potential the event has because there is so much which can be done,” she said.
“You look what is happening with the Garvoc Goods and Services Auction.
“There’s the capacity to be doing something wonderful, so I would love to see someone take over who is enthusiastic to make this fundraiser all it can be.”
Anyone interested in volunteering to support raising funds for the Good Friday Appeal in Mortlake is asked to meet at 37 Boorook Street at 9am tomorrow (Friday, April 15).
Volunteers must be double vaccinated.
The Country Women’s Association Evening Branch will supply morning tea for volunteers.
“It’s really lovely of them,” Mrs McKenzie said.