The Good Friday Appeal is a cause that is near and dear to the Werribee Fire Brigade, especially firefighter Mick Davie.
Two of Mr Davie’s children have received treatment at the Royal Children Children’s Hospital.
“Our son, Jake, has needed two head reconstructions and our daughter Charlotte is currently going through cancer treatment, so we are at the hospital weekly,” he said.
“The staff there are the best in the world at what they do, they are so good at finding the best treatment for each individual and what will work best for each child.
“We can’t speak highly enough about them and what they have done for our family.”
Over his last 20 years of fundraising for the event, Mr Davie has done everything from door-knocking, tin-rattling and even sitting on the organising committee.
“Both my kids and my wife get there early in the morning with me, and we spend the day helping to raise as much money as we can for the cause,” he said.
Brigade Captain Michael Wells, a CFA member for 36 years and involved in the appeal since the late 1980s, knows just how important the best treatment facilities are.
“We often see devastation that can occur and incidents where children might end up needing the hospital whether it’s a burn or an injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident,” Mr Wells said.
“We understand the importance of having the best facilities available, and if we can contribute to this in some way, it is worthwhile.”
“Everyone gets behind the cause and it really inspires us to keep doing this.”
Werribee has raised over $1 million since 1977 and spends months co-ordinating each year for the big day.
The brigade will be fundraising online for those who don’t get a chance to donate in person on April 18.
