Donald Good Friday Appeal Area Manager Dale Anderson, Gisborne Fire Brigade members Sandra Barotta and Mark Carter, Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic
In CFA's 75th year supporting the Good Friday Appeal, the generosity of Victorians right across the state has exceeded expectations, helping us raise an incredible $2,150,000 for The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH).
Once again, CFA volunteers were out in force (3 April) both on their fire trucks and on foot, making their way around local streets rattling tins all morning to raise vital funds in their communities for a much-loved and well-respected cause.
As a major fundraiser for the Appeal, and one that hits close to home, CFA has now raised more than $43 million over an impressive 75 years.
It was also a milestone night for the Appeal as they marked an astonishing 95 years of fundraising, with a record-breaking final tally of $25,268,485.
Acting CFA Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM presented the new customised cheque for the momentous year with the total amount CFA contributed to The Royal Children's Hospital alongside Gisborne Fire Brigade members Mark Carter and Sandra Barotta on Friday night.
"As an organisation, we are incredibly proud our CFA members' efforts each year who lend their time to fundraise alongside the Victorian community for such a worthwhile cause," Alen said.
"Thank you to all participating brigades across Victoria for your contribution to this year's Appeal and for the work you do in your local towns not only to protect them but to also help save young lives.
"Many of our members have required the services of the RCH, and it is an absolute privilege to be a part of raising such important funds and to see direct results of that fundraising that the brigades do put toward technology and research to help our Victorian children."
As one of the first brigades to fundraise over seven decades ago, Donald Good Friday Appeal Area Manager Dale Anderson joined the festivities in the phone room on Friday night to mark the occasion and present the cheque.
Earlier in the day the brigade's 1926 Ford Model T truck was also on display at Kids Day Out, having travelled all the way from Donald, stopping in Bridgewater and Gisborne along the way to collect donations, just like they did back in the 1950's.
"We had such a terrific day engaging with the community, they were incredibly generous along the way, and many had to look twice at our flashing lights," Dale said.
"We stopped by the old Herald Sun building to recreate a historical photograph from over 70 years ago, and we even had two women present who were in the original photo as kids. It was very special."
Viewers at home took a trip down memory lane through a collection of photos and videos showcasing CFA volunteers out in their synonymous yellows interacting with communities.
While, a 3D balloon fire truck was a hit with the kids during the day and those in the phone room at night, as was a special visit from Eynesbury Fire Brigade members to the Royal Children's Hospital on their way to the counting room.
The money raised for The Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal will be used to ensure kids are provided with the best possible treatment and care.
