Home goes under the hammer for Good Friday

More than $1 million will go The Royal Children’s Hospital after Villawood auctioned a home to a lucky Geelong resident in Lara for the Good Friday Appeal.

Regional Victoria dug deep into its pockets to raise more than $4 million in this year’s Good Friday Appeal, which contributed to a new single-day record of $23,061,320 in fundraising across the state.

Ali Bandari is now the proud new owner of a new Electra 35 Henley home at Villawood Properties’ Coridale estate in Lara, following an auction in front of hundreds of people at the agency’s annual no-reserve auction.

Mr Bandari was thrilled with the outcome and is now not only the proud owner of a beautiful family home but also knows that all proceeds have gone to The Royal Children’s Hospital.

“I’m thrilled, I’m very excited, I couldn’t believe it,” Mr Bandari said.

“I was thinking it would go for around $920,000 or maybe a maximum of $950,000. But it was all for such a good cause, so I went a bit more.”

Villawood Properties chief executive officer Alan Miller said the auction result was great for everyone involved.

“It’s a great privilege to host a live auction like this and achieve such a fantastic result,” Mr Miller said.

“The crowd was on board with us everyone understands and appreciates the great effort that’s gone into building the house.

“It’s been an exciting event and really highlighted what the Good Friday Appeal is all about.”

Chairman of the Good Friday Appeal Penny Fowler said the record-breaking total was a testament to Victorians’ ability to come together for a common objective.

“Giving for the kids is what the Good Friday Appeal is all about and what big, generous hearts Victorians have had this year,” Ms Fowler said.

“The Appeal continues to shine a light on the very best in our community and this year’s Appeal is no exception.

“We are incredibly grateful to communities in Victoria and all the volunteers for digging deep for The Royal Children’s Hospital.

“Thank you to both the Federal and State Governments for the generous contributions to the Appeal to ensure it remains a world-class facility helping sick children and their families.”

Geelong’s community tin-rattlers raised $116,848 to finish fourth in the Good Friday Appeal regional community tally.

To donate to the Good Friday Appeal, go to www.fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au