Lions break Good Friday Appeal record

THE Torquay Lions Club has thanks the community for their generous Good Friday Appeal donations which has resulted in almost tripling last year’s donation to The Royal Children’s Hospital.

Local Lion Peter McMahon and his team tin-rattled at the intersection of Darian Road, Grossmans Road and the Surf Coast Highway and held its annual raffle event to achieve their fundraising goal.

“More than tripling last year’s figure almost leaves me speechless,” Mr McMahon said.

“Volunteer highway collectors from Deakin University, Torquay Lions Club, with help from Grovedale Fire Brigade and various other volunteers, all helped us achieve the $41,500.

“I thank all who supported the appeal so generously.”

Anglesea Primary School was also one of the Surf Coast’s top donors raising thousands for the Good Friday Appeal.

The pupils took part in a walkathon on Thursday last week in casual clothing and raised $4,896.25 for the cause.

“It was a magnificent effort for the students,” Anglesea Primary School principal Murray Surkitt said.

“During the walkathon, the children wore casual dress as they walked and danced to music provided by the school staff, who recorded how many laps of the course they walked.

“These funds are going towards a worthwhile cause and the students are extremely proud to have contributed in this way.”

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.

Anglesea Primary raised $4,896 for the Good Friday Appeal. Pictured left to right are Grade 6 students Xavier, Alexander and Jerome.

Chair 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.

“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.”