Each year, firefighters and volunteers walk the streets of Rochester collecting donations for the Royal Children’s Hospital, helping fund vital care, equipment and research.
In previous years, the Rochester community has donated between $8000 and $9000 to the cause.
Rochester area appeal co-ordinator Heidi Warren said that despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 floods, the community has always been willing to give.
“If anyone’s going to donate, it’s going to be to the Good Friday Appeal. It’s always one that’s popular,” she said.
“Even in the year of the flood, we still raised nearly $6000, which is still pretty good.
“We like to aim a little higher each year, but we haven’t been able to do that because we’ve had so many things impacting us.
“This year will be a bit more interesting because of fuel prices and the cost of living, which will impact us a little bit.”
For the first time this year, the fire brigade’s juniors will also raise money through a cake stall.
All baked goods have been made by the juniors and their families and will be available for purchase on Easter Saturday.
The juniors will be set up out the front of the station from 9am until noon.
Community members can also support the appeal by purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win a food hamper or Easter egg hampers.
From 9am, Rochester Fire Brigade members and volunteers will set off from the station to door knock.
Anyone who would like to help out can meet at the station before 9am.
Donations can also be made online at https://tinyurl.com/4br38vce