Kalkallo Fire Brigade has long supported the Good Friday Appeal, and in their fifth consecutive year have called on other brigades to follow.
Kalkallo secretary Ally Watson, who is also Hume’s deputy mayor, said she encourages brigades with a similar young-family demographic to consider fundraising next year.
“As more young people come into town, the more children we have, and the greater the likelihood that they need to use the services of the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Ms Watson said.
Ms Watson has a personal connection with the Royal Children’s Hospital as her niece required its services at four weeks old.
“There are a number of personal stories just like mine for members within the brigade,” she said.
“It is a cause we certainly have a deep connection to and a great deal of gratitude for.”
Ms Watson said the generosity of families has been outstanding and the brigade receives more donations than anticipated each year.
“We are often sweetly surprised about how heavy our tins are at the end of a shift… especially during a cost-of-living crisis,” she said.
Ms Watson said it is a really precious moment when young children come up to donate their pocket money.
“Kneeling down to let them put it in the tin themselves is really special,” she said.
In previous years, the brigade only fundraised at service stations but since have moved into two major shopping centres, and opened an online portal for donations.
“Now we can have a real presence around town, and people will be able to reach us more easily,” Ms Watson said.
Brigades can register their 2026 Good Friday Appeal fundraising activity by contacting collections@goodfridayappeal.com.au.
