THE Gannawarra community has once again dug deep for this year’s Good Friday Appeal, helping to contribute to a record breaking tally which saw regional and rural Victoria raise more than $2.5 million.
The Leitchville community, which has a population of just 558 residents, raised more than $12,000 for the cause.
Di Tubb of the Leitchville Hotel said the town had been contributing to the appeal and raising much-needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital for many years.
“I’ve been involved for 21 years and it was going well before that,” Ms Tubb said.
She said fundraising was a year-round effort for the town with weekly raffles at the local watering hole contributing to the overall tally.
Ms Tubb said this year’s result was slightly down on previous years as a result of COVID.
While lockdowns may have hampered some fundraising efforts, it didn’t dampen the spirits of local businesses and residents who united together for the cause.
Red Gum Bakery contributed to the town’s tally with a successful plant sale, while the Griffith and Clements families headed to the bush, targeting holidaymakers with their collection tins.
Ms Tubb said it was a great community effort which contributed to their overall tally.
Meanwhile, the Barham/Koondrook community raised more than $15,000 this year, in what marked the town’s second best fundraising effort since taking part in the appeal.
The result was bittersweet for organisers Nicole and Glenn Hammond, who lost their daughter Darcie last year.
Darcie had been the face of the appeal at a local level for more than two decades, raising more than $200,000 during her lifetime.
The tightknit community ensured her legacy continued with fundraising efforts taking place on land and water.
“There was a heap of people around and everyone was keen,” Ms Hammond said, noting friendly rivalry among collectors made for an enjoyable day.
Collectors hit the river by boat, doorknocked homes by foot and manned the bridge with the help of CFA volunteers.
“We’re pretty proud of this year’s effort, knowing it’s going to help sick country kids in Melbourne,” Ms Hammond said.
Local fundraising efforts:
Cohuna: $6596
Gunbower: $5300
Kerang: $17,723
Koondrook/Barham: $15,328
Leitchville: $12,378
Pyramid Hill: $2950
Quambatook: $2160
Boort: $2967
