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    GIVE THAT THEY MAY GROW: From left, Holly Bowden, Jenna Schampers and Tori Ralph collect donations on behalf of Ararat Fire Brigade for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Thanks to money raised on Friday, the rural city has now donated more than $1-million to the appeal since 1970. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Ararat sets new target

Ararat Fire Brigade leaders have set a new Good Friday Appeal fundraising target after ‘smashing’ a $1-million milestone at the weekend.

The brigade, which runs appeal fundraising activities for the region, needed a little less than $4000 to reach its target - $1-million for the Royal Children’s Hospital since the group started fundraising in 1970.

Captain Daniel Ramsdell said the community dug deep for a great cause.

“Members and volunteers made $33,881 in rattling tins in the streets and at the traffic lights,” he said.



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“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!