“We smashed our target, which was good. In total, Ararat made $38,000.”
Mr Ramsdell thanked everyone involved in the money-raising effort.
“Everyone’s done a fantastic job. I can’t be thankful enough,” he said.
“It was really successful – not as big as some other years, where we’ve managed to get $60,000 – but it was still good.
“We’ll be doing it every year. The next milestone will be $2-million, if we can. We’ll see how we go.”
In a collective effort, Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians communities raised more than $230,000 on Friday to help the state’s sickest children.
The Stawell community amassed an impressive $61,182 for the appeal, largely thanks to an event at Pomonal.
Jim and Karen Leithhead opened their ‘world-class’ private museum to the public for the second time, showcasing an impressive collection of Lincoln vehicles.
The collection features 35 vehicles, with models from 1922 to 2003. The couple also hosted a show and shine.
Entry to the day was $20 a person, with the Leithheads raising $35,225.95 for the children’s hospital.
Stawell Fire Brigade members and volunteers also rattled tins throughout Stawell and Halls Gap.
Brigade leaders paid tribute to ex-captain Reg Smith, who has been collecting for the appeal for 50 years.
Good Friday Appeal leaders announced communities raised $17,122,879 for 2021, which executive director Rebecca Cowan said was another outstanding total.
“We’re overjoyed by the generosity of Victorian communities and beyond on this momentous 90th Good Friday Appeal,” she said.
“We are humbled to see everyone come together on this day, all with the singular mission of helping The Royal Children’s Hospital remain a world-class facility for the sick children of Australia.
“We understand that for many families the last 12 months have continued to be challenging. To everyone who participated, whether you’ve held a fundraiser, donated, purchased a raffle ticket or tuned into the Channel 7 telethon, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. “
Wimmera-Mallee final tallies: Ararat $38,719, Dimboola $4677, Donald $8757, Edenhope $1500, Goroke $3370, Harrow $1831, Hopetoun $5500, Horsham $29,984, Jeparit $231, Kaniva $1295, Marnoo $1225, Murtoa $6441, Natimuk $4600, Nhill $3585, Rainbow $3957, Rupanyup $2353, St Arnaud $10,385, Stawell $61,182, Telangatuk East $12,131, Warracknabeal $20,030, Willaura $9506, Woomelang $2751.
– Sarah Matthews
The entire April 7, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!