Wyndham Children’s appeal brings in $100,000

Students from McKillop College who tin rattled on behalf of the local CFA Good Friday Appeal effort.

By Esther Lauaki

The Wyndham community gave generously this Easter, contributing more than $100,000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Tin rattlers were out in force over the long weekend in support of the hospital’s major annual fundraising initiative, with Werribee and Wyndham Vale fire brigade volunteers raising nearly $70,000.

Volunteer Sharen Cations thanked the Wyndham community for its generosity.

“It was a pleasure to help out this year and be a small part of an amazing group of people that made this possible,” she said.

“It was fabulous to see how well organised the day was.

“Collectors and volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life coming together to raise funds for such a wonderful cause.”

Shoppers at Pacific Werribee also dug deep, donating just over $25,000, while Werribee Central collectors raised $5367 for the cause.

Across Victoria, volunteers raised $18,175,467 through tin shaking and door knocking, raffles, fundraisers and auctions.

Good Friday Appeal director Anne Randall said the final tally could not have been reached without the “dedicated communities” across the state who came together for the kids.

“We are so thankful to each and every person for their support,” Ms Randall said.

“We would like to acknowledge area managers in regional areas, as well as the people in those communities for their donation; from tin rattlers, to dedicated fundraisers and of course to those organising events.

“All the generous donations and funds raised go towards state-of-the-art equipment and technology, patient and family-centred care, research, education and training at the wonderful Royal Children’s Hospital.”

Rural and regional appeal collectors collectively raised about $3.5 million and CFA collectors around the state brought in $1.6 million.

Since 1931 the Good Friday Appeal has now contributed more than $363 million to The Royal Children’s Hospital.