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Six-year-old Ollie, one of the 2026 Faces of the Good Friday Appeal (GFA), was recently treated to a morning as a firefighter, visiting Diamond Creek Fire Station to bravely learn the ropes.
Ollie jumped eagerly into fire gear and looked comfortable behind the steering wheel of a stationary fire truck, quickly learning how to turn the flashing lights on - and how to use the hose.
Having undergone two open heart surgeries after he was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect called truncus arteriosus, Ollie is hoping to raise awareness of the Appeal to help other kids just like him.
Ollie's mum Jacinta said getting the opportunity to be a part of it has been a surreal experience.
"The Royal Children's Hospital has been phenomenal to us. It has been generational and we're forever indebted for what they've done for us and our family," Jacinta said.
"Ollie has taken to the role so well (Face of the Appeal) and taken it in his stride, it has been amazing. He is just really happy to give back and be involved in this way.
"Victorians do really give deep to the Appeal as we have seen over the last 95 years, everyone always gives so generously, so please give to children like Oliver so they can all thrive."
Fiona Macken, 3rd Lieutenant of Diamond Creek Fire Brigade said it was fantastic having Ollie down for the day to highlight the importance of the Appeal, in what is CFA's 75th year of support.
"He is a lot of fun, and we had a lot of fun too. He has taught us a thing or two about having fun with water and he has a great spirit and great attitude," Fiona said.
"Keep an eye out for our trucks this Good Friday, we'd love to smash our fundraising goal this year. We really encourage the community to donate whatever they can, big or small."
The brigade has fundraised over a number of years since the 1950s, however have more recently ramped up their fundraising efforts from 2018, raising more than $43,451 since then.
Firefighter and former Diamond Creek GFA Brigade Coordinator Antoinette Calleja, has a proud history running the collection days and said it is a day out for the entire brigade and their kids.
"We have a lot of fun. We meet at the station in the morning, have hot cross buns for breakfast, and allocate all the vehicles and locations of where everyone will be heading," Antoinette said.
"We start at the Tram cafe and Diamond Creek Regional Playspace to hang out with the kids, then make our way out around town. The kids come running out with their money boxes!"
Donned with GFA banners and easter eggs, all vehicles and members return at midday to a fish and chip lunch before four members head to the city to drop off the collections.
The community remains strongly connected to the Appeal, with many local kids requiring the services of the Royal Children's Hospital, including Antoinette's children and family friends, and former brigade member, the late Rod Miloschew who was born with spina bifida.
Current GFA Brigade Coordinator Andrew McNamara's wife is also a nurse at the hospital.
Make this Friday a Good Friday. Give what you can – in person or donate online at https://fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/find-a-fundraiser
