Hopping to it for the Appeal

THIS year’s Royal Children Hospital Good Friday Appeal donation drive will once again by lead by the Bendigo branch of Uncle Bobs Club.

Convener John Traill said he is pleased to see the Bendigo Easter Fair back to its best and hopes it will contribute to a rise in donations but admitted they could use some more volunteers.

“We are struggling a bit for volunteer numbers,” he said.

“We’re very pleased to have the Easter Fair back, we are hoping that this year there will be more people around and by default we can have a few more donations made.

“Last year wasn’t a record year by any stretch. Our figure was down a bit, but we still managed to raise over $38,000.”

Businesses, hotels and bakeries across town have been collecting donations already, and Mr Traill said Uncle Bobs Club is well supported in the community.

“We get supported by a lot of groups within the community,” he said. “Historically across the state fire brigades are very much involved in supporting the appeal and the local brigades here are no exception.”

Volunteers from local CFAs will be assisting with street collections on Friday, and while there isn’t a suitable intersection for collection in Huntly, brigade members will have their truck and tins ready at Viewpoint Estate.

In Bendigo, over $1 million has been raised for the Good Friday Appeal since the Uncle Bobs Club first helped out in 1976, with the money supporting research, equipment, technology, education and family centred care programs at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Volunteer registrations are still open for fully vaccinated people wanting to assist with the day, and people can register at the Uncle Bobs Club website ubcvic.org.au.

Alternatively, you can turn up to the Bendigo Bowls Club on Barnard Street, where the club will be situated from 8am to 3pm.