The Easter Bunny joined Seymour CFA volunteers, including Bryan White and Lew Saulsby, to rattle tins in local communities, raising vital funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital. Photo: Simon Ruppert
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Simon Ruppert
Seymour district communities have donated thousands of dollars to the Good Friday Appeal, a vital annual fundraiser supporting the wonderful work done at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
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Across Victoria, fundraising activities brought in a record $23,822,792.
The Seymour and district appeal raised $26,998, while other local areas also saw record tallies.
Funds raised locally for the Good Friday Appeal
Avenel: $4929
Broadford: $10,282
Kilmore: $33,552
Nagambie: $27,044
From tin shaking to raffles, collection groups, fundraisers, auctions and events, regional and rural Victoria alone contributed an impressive $5,428,009.
Good Friday Appeal chairperson Penny Fowler said communities across Victoria had united to make a huge difference for sick children and their families.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, donor, fundraiser and supporter who came together to make this year’s appeal a remarkable success,” Ms Fowler said.
“Your generosity and dedication is truly remarkable.”
Key highlights from this year’s notable contributions include the CFA, which marked 80 years of formation and 74 years of fundraising for the Good Friday Appeal.
Its dedicated volunteers raised an incredible $1,888,912 this year, bringing the CFA’s lifetime total to more than $41 million.
This year’s donations will support vital programs and advancements, including extending child life therapy into the emergency department, purchasing specialised medical equipment such as ultrasound machines, supporting regional health services across Victoria for the second year and investing in critical research and treatments for conditions like epilepsy, sepsis, type 1 diabetes and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Additionally, this year’s appeal will support the RCH’s art therapy program, which provides children and families with a creative and supportive outlet to express and explore the emotional impact of hospitalisation, illness and treatment.
Local businesses including Woolworths and Coles did their part to support the appeal and mark Easter.
Seymour Coles saw the Easter Bunny make some in-store appearances, while a busy rabbit helped CFA volunteers raise funds.
Store manager Caz Watson said Easter was a joyful time for staff.
“Our team at Seymour Coles love this time of year and the visits from the Easter Bunny are always a highlight for our customers, young and old,” Ms Watson said.
Emily Bonner, Easter Bunny and Koneru (Peter) Narayana Koneru enjoy the Easter cheer at Coles in Seymour. Photo: Supplied.
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Across town, Seymour Woolies put on a bake sale to help raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal.
In stores across Victoria, customers were able to purchase a $2 token or make a donation at checkout that aided children’s charities like the Good Friday Appeal.
Good Friday Appeal executive director Rebecca Cowan said the remarkable success of this year’s appeal would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of communities across Victoria, many of whom donated or fundraised because of their personal connection to The Royal Children’s Hospital.
“This incredible achievement is a testament to the Victorian spirit,” she said.
“Whether you donated, attended Kids’ Day Out, joined Run for the Kids, participated in local fundraisers, or tuned into Channel 7’s telethon, your contribution has made a difference.
“Thank you for helping us ensure The Royal Children’s Hospital can continue providing world-class care.”
