General News
22 April, 2025
Communities dig deep for Good Friday Appeal
Horsham has led the region in supporting this year's Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, contributing almost $70,000 to the annual fundraiser.
Volunteers and members of the Horsham Fire Brigade collected $34,549.05 on Friday, with travellers making generous donations at roadside collection points as they travelled through the region.
"What an amazing effort from you, our community, and our team of volunteers pounding the pavements today," a spokesperson said.
CFA personnel in trucks and members of the public volunteered their time to zig zag across the town collecting for the Appeal to support the care of sick children in the Royal Children's Hospital.
Overall, $418,499 was raised across the Wimmera and the Grampians regions, with Jim Leithead's show and shine in Pomonal helping the township raise $61,018 this year.
Significant contributions came from Stawell ($53,181), Berriwillock ($52,152), Ararat ($44,466) and Warracknabeal ($34,029).
Once again, Ballarat topped the list for regional Victoria with $247,281.88, while Albury/Wodonga ($237,525.77), Devenish Dookie & District ($235,662.36), Geelong ($202,532.41) and Echuca/Moama ($125,998.15) rounded out the top five.
Overall, $23,822,792 was raised for the 2025 Good Friday Appeal.
Penny Fowler, Chairman of the Good Friday Appeal, said the generosity of regional Victoria is truly inspiring.
"From small towns with big hearts, to major regional centres, communities have united to make a huge difference for sick children and their families," she said.
"Their unwavering support highlights the compassion and dedication of regional volunteers, donors, and supporters.
"We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this year’s record-breaking success possible.”
Running total by towns:
Ararat ($44,466)
Berriwillock ($52,152)
Birchip ($4,210)
Dimboola ($16,620)
Donald ($9526)
Edenhope ($684)
Harrow ($881)
Hopetoun ($4338)
Horsham ($69,040)
Jeparit ($1063)
Kaniva ($3031)
Murtoa ($5093)
Natimuk ($7502)
Nhill ($16,466)
Patchewollock ($4650)
Pomonal ($61,018)
Rainbow ($5736)
Rupanyup ($4698)
Stawell ($53,181)
Warracknabeal ($34,029)
Watchem ($1606)
Willaura ($16,078)
Woomelang ($2431)
