Southern Riverina residents and visitors have donated a whopping $46,000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital already, with donations still being accepted this week.
The official Good Friday Appeal regional tally room lists the amounts donated from Finley, Tocumwal and Jerilderie combined as $46,088 by the close of counting on Friday.
No official tallies were registered for Berrigan or Coleambally.
The Jerilderie community contributed more than half of the combined tally, with its donations at $24,768 and counting.
Among the Good Friday Appeal activities was the 34th annual Good Friday Appeal held at the Jerilderie Sports Club.
Tocumwal’s tally at the close of counting on Friday was $12,051.
The vast majority was collected by the town’s firefighters, with Tocumwal Fire + Rescue NSW and Tocumwal Rural Fire Service joining forces to rattle the tins.
Tocumwal FRNSW Captain Ian Desailly said it was a fantastic effort.
“I would like to thank the Tocumwal Fire + Rescue crew, Tocumwal community, businesses and visitors for their ongoing support for the Royal Children's Hospital Appeal, also the Tocumwal RFS for helping us on the day,” Capt Desailly said.
“Thanks also to Bill Fuller for counting all the money for us.
“The amount raised was $11,715.”
Finley’s running total is $9296, with $8,527 raised by the Finley Fundraising Team lead by Vanessa Kydd.
“A huge thank you to our awesome volunteers, who were out and about knocking on residents' doors and collecting and counting your contributions.
“Thank you to our marvellous 2024 RCH GFA Finley Fundraising Team - Sally Carr, Daniel and Dawn Kydd, Melanie Evans, Kaylene Dawe, Elyse Price, Craig and Sophie O'Donnell, Wendy Coates, Mardi Baker, Brad and Jessica Gatty, Jane Harris, Kim Eagles, Emma Dunn and Allison Fitzgerald! You guys are legends!
“A massive thank you to the Finley community and the surrounding communities for your continual support for this amazing children's hospital; your support is greatly appreciated!”
Mrs Kydd said businesses who had collection tins have already signed on for next year’s appeal, with 2025 donation tins already in place.
In the meantime, she said donations for 2024 are still being accepted at https://fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/fundraisers/Finley.