THE Good Friday Appeal (GFA) began in 1931 to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), with people and community groups all over the state throwing their support behind the appeal.
One community organisation that has rattled tins and much more, will do so again this year, reaching a remarkable 75 years of fundraising for the GFA.
Over the past 75 years, CFA members have raised more than $41 million for the iconic Victorian cause, with hopes this year to raise more than last year’s $1.88M.
Thursday, February 19, Gisborne Fire Brigade members and CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Weston joined in on the festivities at the RCH to officially launch the 2026 Good Friday Appeal.
Members formed a Guard of Honour to announce the Faces of the Appeal, with three-year-old Alissa and six-year-old Oliver both having received life-saving care from the RCH.
Gisborne Good Friday Appeal Area Manager and CFA brigade member Mark Carter has been organising and fundraising for 20 years as a passionate ambassador and is extremely proud of the work the brigade does.
“For us, it is a special tradition, and some of our members have been involved for up to 50 years,” Mark said.
Almost 150 CFA brigades are involved in tin rattling, door knocking and fundraising efforts each year, and CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Weston has been among those as a member.
“I’ve been involved through my time at Wyndham Vale and Werribee Fire Brigades and our involvement as an organisation is something we are really proud to be a part of,” Trevor said.
“We were fortunate enough to witness just two examples of the great work that the RCH and the Appeal do alongside the support of the Victorian community at the launch.
Make this Friday a Good Friday. Give what you can – in person or donate online at https://fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/find-a-fundraiser.
