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CFA's long and proud history of involvement with the Good Friday Appeal will reach a remarkable 75 years this year, while the Appeal will mark an impressive 95 years of fundraising.
Raising vital funds for the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) has been a long-standing tradition for CFA members and only further reinforces their commitment, generosity and community spirit.
Over the past 75 years, CFA members have raised more than $41 million for the iconic Victorian cause, with hopes this year to raise more than last year's $1.88 million.
On Thursday (19 February), Gisborne Fire Brigade members and CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Weston joined in on the festivities at the RCH to officially launch the 2026 Good Friday Appeal.
Members formed a Guard of Honour to announce the Faces of the Appeal, with three-year-old Alissa and six-year-old Oliver both having received life-saving care from the RCH.
Gisborne Good Friday Appeal Area Manager and CFA brigade member Mark Carter has been organising and fundraising for 20 years as a passionate ambassador and is extremely proud of the work the brigade does.
"For us, it is a special tradition, and some of our members have been involved for up to 50 years," Mark said.
"We get the local Scouts and Cubs involved and we usually get two or three minibuses and take them around town – they get a real buzz out of it for such a good cause.
"We still do the old-style door knock and fundraise at local shops throughout the year.
"Seeing what comes through at the end of the day and knowing it goes to such a fantastic place is so rewarding."
Last year the brigade raised $74,107, bringing their cumulative total to $399,584, and are now set to celebrate an impressive $400,000 in their milestone 50th year.
"Donald Fire Brigade [one of the first brigades to fundraise] used to come down in their old T Model Ford vehicle and collect from towns along the way. As one of those towns, our involvement evolved very quickly from there," Mark said.
"The work they do in the RCH is so important. I had two premature babies myself, and I'm thankful they didn't need to go there, but I always knew the support was there if needed.
"The technology and expertise they get from RCH is well worth it, because the kids are worth it."
Almost 150 CFA brigades are involved in tin rattling, door knocking and fundraising efforts each year, and CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Weston has been among those as a member.
"I've been involved through my time at Wyndham Vale and Werribee Fire Brigades and our involvement as an organisation is something we are really proud to be a part of," Trevor said.
"We were fortunate enough to witness just two examples of the great work that the RCH and the Appeal do alongside the support of the Victorian community at the launch.
"To get out in the community to promote the message of the Appeal and the work they do at the RCH is incredibly important.
"Many of our members have unfortunately required the services of the RCH, so I absolutely encourage the community to give wherever and whatever they can, whether that is to our CFA volunteers who will be out on Good Friday collecting, or online and through other avenues."
Make this Friday a Good Friday. Give what you can – in person or donate online at https://fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/find-a-fundraiser
