$1.8m effort from the CFA

Montrose CFA and township group members out collecting coins on Good Friday.

CFA volunteers were seen in trucks and at traffic lights across the state on Good Friday, raising money in their local communities for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal.

Brigade members from across Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Montrose and Chirnside Park joined the ranks to rattle tins at major intersections.

In total the Dandenong Ranges Fire Brigade Group was able to raise $21,885.40, the Knox Group of Fire Brigades raised $28,713.50, Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park Fire Brigades $4,135.75 and Lilydale $6952.35 towards the collective $1,819,900.

Lilydale’s first lieutenant Ron Haines said it was “a fantastic effort” by the brigades and wanted to send “a big big thank you to all the people that gave so generously to the Appeal”.

CFA has been a major fundraiser of the Good Friday Appeal for the past 73 years, having now raised almost $39 million for The RCH since 1951.

The overall total for the Good Friday Appeal in 2024 was $23,368,724 – a record-breaking final tally.

CFA Group General Manager Kylee Bates presented the CFA cheque to The Royal Children’s Hospital alongside Caroline Springs Captain Anthony Jenkins and members Sammie Lowe and Lauchlan Wright.

CFA Chief Fire Officer Jason Heffernan congratulated and thanked all participating brigades across Victoria for the amazing contribution they’ve all made to this year’s Good Friday Appeal.

“Our members give up their time to serve their communities in times of need and it’s no surprise that their selflessness extends to worthy causes such as supporting The Royal Children’s Hospital,” Mr Heffernan said.

“All members and their communities should be so proud of what they’ve achieved for this year’s Appeal, and we thank you for your time and generosity to help save the lives of our future.”

The money raised for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal will be used to ensure kids are provided with the best possible treatment and care.