General News
28 March, 2023
Timboon CFA calls for collectors
TIMBOON and district locals are being urged to help shake tins for a good cause for the annual Good Friday Appeal.
TIMBOON and district locals are being urged to help shake tins for a good cause for the annual Good Friday Appeal.
Timboon CFA volunteer Mary Wigan said the annual collection is getting close and help is needed for the Timboon collection.
“Timboon CFA has been involved in the Good Friday Appeal for many years,” she said.
“We enjoy the interaction with the community.
“It’s always positive to see the community so happy to donate to such a wonderful cause, especially with so many local children utilising The Royal Children’s Hospital.
“It’s a nice thing for families to be involved with.”
Volunteers will also be treated to a fish and chip lunch on the day.
Mrs Wigan said any time people could spare to help collect would be appreciated.
“Whatever people can contribute is welcome, every little bit helps,” she said.
“People were very generous last year.”
One local family knows all too well the good work The Royal Children’s Hospital does.
Sheree Johnstone said her 13 year-old daughter Charlotte has spent a significant amount of time at the hospital recovery from extensive burns.
“When she was eight she was involved in a backyard fire that resulted in her sustaining burns to 90 per cent of the back of her legs,” she said.
“It involved lengthy stays at the hospital while skin grafts were done.
“We spent about six weeks at The Royal Children’s Hospital and then every week we spent two days a week.
“Now being 13 she’s out to 18 month visits.”
Ms Johnstone urged the community to support the appeal.
“They (The Royal Children’s Hospital) are fantastic,” she said.
“You never know when you will end up there or someone you know will end up there.
“What they do is so important, without them the kids wouldn’t get the care they do now.”
This year the Cook family will again be helping to collect in Timboon, with Sarah and her sons Nelson and Menzel hitting the pavement.
“I’ve always watched the Good Friday Appeal on TV since I was a little girl,” she said.
“I wanted to show the boys how we could be part of it.
“We’re looking forward to it again this year.”
Ms Cook said this year the appeal has even more meaning for the family.
“The boys cousin from Colac, Henry, was diagnosed with Leukaemia at the end of last year and has been a regular patient at The Royal Children’s Hospital and we have visited him on the ward,” she said.
“We were all blown away at how incredible the team was down there and they were just as friendly and caring to us as the patients.”
Residents interested in volunteering to help collect in Timboon can meet at the Timboon CFA station at 9.30am on Good Friday or contact Katrina Currell on 0439 995 010.