Locals chip in $400k as state breaks fundraising record

Residents across Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine have donated more than $400,000 through fundraisers, tin shakers, raffles and auctions.

The local tally accounted for around a tenth of the total raised in Regional Victoria, part of $23m raised statewide.

Geelong was the biggest donator for the local region ($116,848) ahead of Barwon Heads ($82,357) and Torquay ($78,677), placing the areas Fourth, Tenth and Eleventh respectively.

See the full breakdown of the $4.35m raised in Regional Victoria below.

Torquay’s fundraising was helped by the Torquay Lions Club, who themselves raised $41,500 well in excess of the target set of $30,000.

Regional Co-ordinator, Lion Peter McMahon said the amount was more than triple last year’s figure, thanks to community generosity, small projects by children, a Lions bowls day and many other donations:

“We not only achieved our target, which initially was $20,000, but we finished the day with $41,500 for this year’s Appeal,”

“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”.

Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal Rebecca Cowan thanked all those who helped:

“We are so thankful to the incredible communities across regional Victoria each and every year. Their passion and generosity never ceases to amaze us and this final tally could not have been reached without the dedicated communities across the state who have come together for the kids.”

“Once again, there have been incredible and inventive fundraising initiatives over the state. In Corowa, there was a sheep shearathon, a family fun day in Inverleigh, and a country music show in Traralgon. 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.”

Image: Torquay Lion Peter Mc Mahon, Co-ordinator of the Torquay Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal hands over his final collection of cash to Armaguard for banking. Torquay raised $41,500 for the Appeal. (Supplied)