Two new annual events being run by the Devenish Dookie & District Good Friday Appeal are hoping to see the group’s fundraising efforts in 2024 surpass the totals raised in previous years.
The appeal’s first Steer Drive will be held on Tuesday, October 15 at the Shepparton Saleyards as part of three major events being held, including its annual sheep drive, which raised $10,000 last year for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The appeal will also debut its Lucky Draw on Saturday, October 5 at the Gladstone Hotel.
DDDGFA president Paul Durden said none of the fundraising would be possible without the commitment from the local community.
“We have a lot of volunteers,” Mr Durden said.
“The whole community gets behind it; without the community, we wouldn’t raise the number we raise.”
In the past eight years, the DDDGFA has raised over $700,000 with the $193,000 so far this year a promising start before the October events begin.
The DDDGFA held an online auction in March which raised close to $100,000 due to the support of local businesses and which included $38,000 raised for a Furphy end donated to the cause.
“And every dollar goes to the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Mr Durden said.
The popular sheep drive will be held on Friday, October 11 and will feature the usual line-up of auctioneers who traditionally ‘poke a bit of fun’ at the buyers.
Mr Durden said the success of the auctions was due to farmers donating a relatively small part of their cattle herds and sheep flocks.
“It’s a lot easier for someone to give one or two sheep than (us) go in and say ‘can you give us 500’,” Mr Durden said.
“It’s still very much appreciated and not a large dollar figure for them.
“And we appreciate what everybody does; we had some people one year send in 22 sheep, but one is simply okay, too.
“And at this stage, we have 10 to a dozen cattle committed.
“It does not matter the age or the size of the cattle donated.”
For more information, visit the DDDGFA Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dddgoodfridayappeal/
Event details
Lucky Draw: Saturday, October 5 at the Gladstone Hotel 1pm-4pm. Tickets $120 for two, includes beverages plus finger food and $3000 final draw.
Sheep Drive: Friday, October 11 at Shepparton Saleyards with drop off at the Devenish Sportsground the day before; a breakfast will be supplied. Phone Buzz on 0429 863 629.
Steer Drive: Tuesday, October 15 at Shepparton Saleyards with drop off the day before. Phone Rodney on 0488 984 611.
Watch the full interview below or listen to the podcast here.