Victorians have dug deep this year in support of the Good Friday Appeal, helping the CFA reach a historic milestone and raising its grand total of contributions to $41 million.
CFA has been a major fundraiser of the Good Friday Appeal for the past 74 years and this year, with the help of generous local community members, its volunteers were able to raise $1,888,912.
CFA volunteers were seen in trucks and at traffic lights across the state yesterday, fundraising in their local areas for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal.
CFA chief fire officer Jason Heffernan said this year’s Good Friday Appeal was particularly special.
“Being able to exceed the $40 million milestone in the same year CFA celebrate their 80th anniversary is quite fitting and is a touching nod to our shared community spirit,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Not only that, but this year the face of the Good Friday Appeal is part of our CFA family.”
Jack was the face of this year’s Appeal, and his dad Rohan Stevens is a 30-year volunteer firefighter for Epping Fire Brigade.
Rohan said it was an honour to handover the cheque this year to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“As the parent of a child whose life has been saved at the Royal Children’s Hospital, I’m incredibly proud to assist in presenting this cheque to the Appeal which will help other kids just like Jack,” Rohan said.
“This cheque represents the collective efforts of CFA members and their families who have collectively spent many hours fundraising for the Good Friday Appeal,” he said.
“This donation will assist in funding the next generation of technology, research and treatment to support kids just like Jack.”
Rohan presented the cheque to the hospital last night alongside fellow Epping brigade members, Mr Heffernan, and the Good Friday Appeal area manager Andrew Dalla Via.
“Our members give up their time to serve their communities in times of need and it’s no surprise that their selflessness extends to worthy causes such as supporting The Royal Children’s Hospital,” Mr Heffernan said.
“All members and their communities should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved for this year’s appeal, and we thank you for your time and generosity to help save many young lives,” he said.
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.
