IT’S that time of year again, and local fire brigades are looking for helpers to support their Good Friday Appeal collection efforts on April 18, asking the community to ‘give, so that they may grow.’
While several volunteers have already put their hands up to collect donations for the annual appeal, which helps to ensure sick children can continue to receive the highest quality care from the Melbourne-based hospital, more volunteers are needed.
Since 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has raised an incredible $468 million, all which has gone directly to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Last year, a total of $23,363,724 was raised by communities across the state, producing yet another record-breaking fundraising tally.
Kilmore Fire Brigade is on the lookout for more volunteers to assist with their fundraising efforts.
Last year, volunteers in the area collected $39,728.
This year, as usual, volunteers will be ferried to different areas of Kilmore by bus, and handed a map to help guide their efforts as they collect donations.
The Kilmore Fire Brigade station in Conway Street will be the starting point on the day, where volunteers will meet before 8am and return for morning tea and lunch.
Kilmore Fire Brigade member Garry Callinan said the day could be wrapped up by midday, depending on volunteer numbers.
“A lot of people are keen and eager,” he said.
“I think because of the nature of the cause, everybody is keen and willing to put in.
“If we get enough numbers, we’ll have it all covered by lunch. That hasn’t happened yet, but it’s always the hope.”
Anyone interested in volunteering on the day can contact Mr Callinan on 0430 965 205.
Wandong Fire Brigade Area Manager Robert Rau is keen to beat their own record, which currently stands at $10,194.
“It was our best year yet,” he said.
“We have so much fun. We have a member who dresses up as Easter Bunny. It’s a real spectacle for the kids. The whole town gets behind us.”
As usual, the junior brigade members will be stationed at the Wandong Plaza with the main collection point being the service road opposite the Wandong Train Station.
“It’s a safe place for drivers to pull into and make a donation,” Mr Rau said.
During the day, brigade members will also collect donation tins from participating businesses, and later in the day, deliver them to Jeff’s Shed in Melbourne for counting.
The Good Friday appeal will be televised on Channel 7 from midday on April 18, with results announced at the end of the evening.
