The Tin Shed rallies to raise $61,000 for hospital appeal

A MONUMENTAL community effort by residents of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads has resulted in a sizeable donation to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

Barwon Grove Golf Club’s clubhouse, The Tin Shed, almost doubled its previous Good Friday Appeal record raising over $61,000.

“Our 200 members raised $61,465, it was a tremendous effort to say the least, such a wonderful achievement,” The Tin Shed secretary Ian Perrett said.

Between 300 and 400 residents converged on Sheepwash Road behind the local CFA station banding together to raise funds on April 15.

Food, music, auctions and a special guest appearance from Winter Olympian Jakara Anthony headlined the gathering, as items sponsored by local businesses drove donations throughout the day.

“The day really was an all-round effort,” Mr Perrett said.

“Everybody contributed, we didn’t have to worry about one big auction item to get us to our fundraising target, the entire community got behind us.”

Each year the Good Friday Appeal is the biggest event circled on The Tin Shed’s calendar as the RCH often has direct connections to communities all over the state and the Bellarine is no different.

“Here at the club, we are all parents and grandparents, so we all associate ourselves with the RCH, we’ve all had kids or known families that have been there at one stage or another,” Mr Perrett added.

“It’s a cause that really sits well here in the township so we’re happy to be involved and all funds have been transferred over to the RCH already.”

The majority of the club’s committee members are new to their roles according to Mr Perrett, hopefully setting up what will be an even bigger and better event.

“This year’s Good Friday Appeal was a lot of the committee’s first time doing the event, so we’ve learned a lot,” he said.

“So, to have the same outcome next year would be just as awesome.”

This year’s Good Friday Appeal raised a record total of $22,328,154.