Benalla Fire Brigade was out and about on Good Friday raising funds for the Royal Children's Hospital. Photo: Issie Hill
Benalla and surrounding towns are good at digging deep for a good cause.
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And Good Friday was no different, with fundraisers taking place across the north east.
Locally, more than $235,000 was raised:
Benalla - $65,557.26
Devenish, Dookie and District - $200,722.04
Glenrowan - $10,584.43
Tatong - $10,608.89
Violet Town - $7,417.42
Benalla Fire Brigade’s Good Friday Appeal efforts were once again co-ordinated by Ron Schultz, who has been doing it for more than 40 years.
CFA’s fundraising efforts began on Thursday, April 2, with tin rattling at the junction of Nunn St and Bridge St East.
CFA volunteers were then joined by members of the public as fire trucks drove all of Benalla’s streets on Good Friday as people emerged, coins in hand, from their homes.
Benalla CFA Captain Charlie Sexton said this year there was also a QR code, allowing those with no cash to also do their part.
This year, $13,585.05 of the Benalla total was raised by the Symes family which ran its annual Vinny’s Day appeal, in memory of Vinny Symes.
CFA members stopped by the Symes family's Vinny's Day fundraiser on Good Friday. Photo: Issie Hill
Jodi Symes posted a thank you to Facebook.
“Not a day goes by that we don’t miss our beautiful boy, but moments like this remind us how much love continues to surround him,” she said.
“Hearing Vinny’s name, seeing people wear his shirts, or watching him be included in special moments fills our hearts in the most meaningful way.
“It’s a gentle reminder that his memory lives on and that he will always be carried with love and never forgotten.
“Knowing these funds will go towards helping children and families means so much to us.
“It’s incredibly special to see Vinny’s name continue to bring people together, while also honouring other beautiful babies gone too soon and those still fighting.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us and being part of something so meaningful. We miss you Vinny.“
Outside of Benalla an incredible amount was raised in Tatong, Violet Town, Glenrowan, Devenish and Dookie.
Paul Durden, president of the Devenish and Dookie Good Friday Appeal thanked all its supporters, including businesses from across the north east that donated to its raffle and supported its show n shine and music event.
“What an incredible way to finish our fundraising year,” he said.
“The DDDGFA has once again ranked among the top three regional towns in Victoria, raising an outstanding $200,722.04. Even more remarkably, this brings our 10-year total to just over $1,140,000 — an amazing achievement.”
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