Shepparton’s Good Friday Appeal organisers are calling for volunteers to help collect donations for the Royal Children’s Hospital this weekend.
Shepparton resident and Good Friday Appeal area manager Anthony Deith said COVID-19 and reduced volunteer numbers meant they were predicting a lower donation total than previous years.
Working with the available resources and plenty of giving spirit, Mr Deith said they hoped to raise $10,000.
“This year we’re just doing the intersection collections, which we usually do pretty well out of,” he said.
“We’re aiming to get those other activities at the (Shepparton ) Marketplace and door knocking happening again next year.
“You don’t have to be involved with the fire brigade to volunteer, it’s a community thing open to anyone.”
Mr Deith has been involved with the appeal since 1995 through his volunteer role with Shepparton Fire Brigade.
“That’s why I got started and now that I’m a parent and had kids through the (Royal Children’s Hospital) it makes it a bit more special,” he said.
“The work they do is world class.
“Kids with all sorts of conditions can get the best care down there.
“I’ve seen some of the rooms and equipment that’s been funded by the appeal; it’s quite amazing.”
Donations support the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne to invest in research, purchase equipment and technology, provide education and training, and support patients and their families.
The Shepparton community has raised more than $1 million for the appeal since 1974.
As well as local volunteers rattling the donation tins around town, online donations can be made by visiting goodfridayappeal.com.au or by calling 1300 APPEAL from 9am to midnight on Friday, April 15.
Anyone interested in volunteering locally can contact Mr Deith on 0429 313 709 or visit the Shepparton Fire Brigade Facebook page.