General News
1 August, 2024
Charity thanks local community
Dimboola Bowling Club was in the spotlight last week as one of the hosting towns for the Good Friday Appeal’s (GFA) Regional Road Trip - an annual opportunity for representatives of the appeal to thank all the local volunteers and community groups who support the cause.
Dimboola has been a long-time fundraiser for the Good Friday Appeal, having held events and rattled tins for more than 40 years to collect an overall total of $175,126.52.
This year, Dimboola held seven raffles, an easter egg hunt and a bowls night, as well as a performance by Piggery Lane Players at the soundshell, events at the Tiny Goats farm, and more.
GFA area manager and Dimboola Lions Club treasurer Debbie Clark thanked the many volunteers and community members who contributed to this year’s successful, record-breaking total of $12,500.04.
Of special mention was Lou Catalina, who made the signs and artwork around town for the Good Friday celebration and framed the certificates which were on display at the community centre.
Dimboola’s Bendigo Bank staff were also celebrated for their assistance and partnership in helping Ms Clark organise events and fundraising.
“I was involved in the Good Friday Appeal with Max Butte and his wife Pam in 2014-15, helping out with the fundraising and admin side of the role,” Ms Clark said.
“In 2016 I had big shoes to fill, taking over from Max and Pam, who were very supportive and a great help in the background for years.
“Pam is still bringing down her freshly cooked scones on Good Friday even though Max is no longer with us.”
GFA head of fundraising and communications Simone Dalla Riva has been part of the organisation for three years and said she was reminded every day of the amazing support from the communities of regional Victoria.
“You give your time, bring the community together, and we couldn't manage the appeal without your support,” she said.
Ms Dalla Riva shared some of the statistics from the 2024 appeal, which saw a record $23,368,724 raised for the year.
She said the money counting room in Melbourne had collected $824,000 worth of notes and coins in the metro area alone this year, including 145,751 five-cent pieces (more than $7000 worth).
But, by far the largest contributor was the combined collections from regional Victoria and southern New South Wales collections which totalled $5,261,913.
“Your support has helped create one of the best children’s hospitals in the world,” Ms Dalla Riva said.
“The collective impact of the life-saving projects you have funded has touched the lives of children not only within Victoria but across Australia and internationally, too.
“Your support funds groundbreaking research, the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, investment in leadership and training for staff, and the all-important patient and family care centre that makes staying in hospital as good an experience as it can be.”
GFA community fundraising manager Anna Wilson said it was wonderful to be able to travel to Dimboola to meet the community.
“Thank you to everyone for coming, especially those who have travelled a long distance,” Ms Wilson said.
“I’ve met some of you before - we have been chatting for years - but it's great to finally meet you all.
“Everything you raise makes a huge difference and huge impact on patients, families and staff at RCH.”
Ms Wilson also presented the evening’s awards to Hamilton’s Allan Hadden commemorating his five years of service as area manager, Kaniva’s area manager Dean Shurdington who has rallied the town to collect $92,624.85 over the past 40 years, and Dimboola’s Indie Myers who saved all her pocket money over the year to donate $29.90 to the charity.
GFA executive director Rebecca Cowan said the annual road trip was “all about showing our heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers and community groups who are the backbone of the Good Friday Appeal".
“Their passion and commitment inspire us every day," Ms Cowan said.
"We're thrilled to celebrate this year's record-breaking achievement and acknowledge the unwavering support from communities across Victoria and southern NSW."