General News
13 April, 2023
Records fall in Good Friday Appeal
SOUTH west Victorians dug deep last week as part of this year’s record-setting Good Friday Appeal.
SOUTH west Victorians dug deep last week as part of this year’s record-setting Good Friday Appeal.
The final tally for this year was a record breaking $23,061,320 raised for The Royal Children’s Hospital, with regional and rural Victorians raising a total of $2,955,656.
All funds raised from the 2023 Good Friday Appeal will go directly to new and ongoing programs including cardiac projects, the Centre for Health Analytics, development of the Melbourne Children’s
Campus Mental Health Strategy and vibrant youth program Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS).
Funds raised in south west Victoria includes:
Mortlake - $8562;
Terang - $7378;
Caramut - $3860; and
Garvoc - $23,043.
Good Friday Appeal chair Penny Fowler said the appeal “continues to shine a light on the very best in our community”.
“Giving for the kids is what the Good Friday Appeal is all about and what big, generous hearts Victorians have had this year,” she said.
“We are incredibly grateful to community in Victoria and all the volunteers for digging deep for The Royal Children’s Hospital.
“Thank you to both the federal and state governments for the generous contributions to the appeal to ensure it remains a world-class facility helping sick children and their families.”
The Mortlake area appeal received a boost this year thanks to the efforts of 11-year-old Woondoo native Will Cameron, who shaved his mullet last Thursday to raise vital funds.
Will wanted to get involved after his seven-month-old cousin, Jacob, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and receives treatment at The Royal Children’s Hospital.
At the time of writing, Will has raised a remarkable $5777 towards the online Mortlake total – and further cash donations have taken the total above $6000.
“I like it, but it was a little scary,” Will said last week after having his head shaved in front of his peers at St Colman’s Primary School.
“It was good because everyone got to see it get cut off.
“I feel good because there is lots of people who helped me to get lots of money to give to the Good Friday Appeal.”
Will’s mum, Sarah, said it was “quite a special moment” for the family; facetiming her sister and Jacob, who were at The Royal Children’s Hospital, as the shave happened.
“It was quite emotional but we are very proud of Will,” she said.
“He’s very touched by it all.
“We’re blown away with the support everyone has shown Will, even just the kind words of support.
“Everyone has got behind him.”
