Appeal shines at Inverleigh

WET weather couldn’t dampen spirits at Inverleigh and Districts Good Friday Appeal, which raised more than twenty thousand dollars for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Despite a lower than usual turnout due to poor weather, organiser Jay Cook said the day had a fantastic atmosphere.

“People were still very happy,” he said. “A lot of the feedback was people still had a great day despite the rain.”

Mr Cook said the CWA teddy bear hospital, the easter egg hunt and the Mik Mak’s proved very popular.

“My personal highlight was the easter egg hunt with around 300 children taking part,” he said.

“I think especially in the morning we were very busy and there was no rain and everyone was very excited.

“Once it was lunch time and the rain hit, I think even then it didn’t necessarily dampen everyone’s spirits and there were people who stayed right until the end.

“I think considering the wet weather we did extremely well to be able to raise $20,000.”

Mr Cook said he is thankful to all the volunteers, community groups and people who turned up and braved the conditions.

The Good Friday Appeal statewide raised more than $23 million for the Royal Children’s Hospital, a record-breaking amount.

Rural Victoria contributed more than $4 million to the total.

“Once again, there have been incredible and inventive fundraising initiatives over the state,” said Rebecca Cowan, executive director of the Good Friday Appeal.

“Making fundraising fun and inclusive was wonderful to see.

“Thank you to all of the regional communities who have given up their time and resources to support the Appeal in raising funds so The Royal Children’s Hospital can continue to grow and be at the forefront of paediatric care to help sick kids.”

On a local level, Mr Cook is already looking towards next year.

“Going forward we’d like some sunshine and we’ve got some new ideas we’d like to bring but we’re always try and get bigger and better,” he said.