One Benalla family has managed to find positivity in the face of the worst tragedy anyone could imagine, raising thousands for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
When Ricky and Jodi Symes lost their beautiful boy, Vinny, they decided that each year, they would do whatever they could to support the people who did what they could to help him.
“We fundraise for The Royal Children’s Hospital in Vinny’s honour each year,” Mr Symes said.
“Once you get to a place like the RCH, you can really appreciate what they do.
"It’s one of those places. For some, it’s the start of a happy story.
“Unfortunately, ours was a sad one. But we saw so many happy stories while we were there.
“We saw the smiles on the faces of people leaving to take their kids home.
“And we saw the incredible care they provide, not just to the kids, but to the families, too.”
Mr Symes said staff members would go out of their way to entertain Vinny’s big brother when he was there.
“They looked after him and looked after me and Jodi.
“It’s an amazing place. Hopefully, it’s a place most people won’t have to experience.
“But the reality is, it can happen any minute and you could be there without warning.”
Mr Symes said that is why the GFA is so important.
“We hope we never have to go back, but It’s important to help all the families who are there.
“One day, it might be you. It might be a relative or a friend.”
Team Vinny set up a stall at Cecil St, Benalla, on Good Friday.
They had T-shirts, slices, lolly bags and plenty of treats. None were for sale. They gave them all out to whoever wanted one and simply asked for a donation.
After all the counting was over Jodi took to Facebook to thank the community.
“We could not have ever imagined raising this much. It’s truly incredible,” she said.
“The support from family and friends has been amazing, and we cannot thank you enough.
“To those that donated and organised our Vinny T-shirts, helped set up, made and supplied food and drinks and spread the word about Vinny’s day, we are so grateful.
“It was heartwarming to see such a beautiful community come together this morning. Your support has been unbelievable.
“We are very lucky to have such amazing friends and family.
“I’m sure Vinny would be feeling all the love today.”