A great time to do good

GOOD Friday can mean many different things to different people.

For those whose faith is based in Christianity, it is the year’s most holy day and can involve worship and quiet reflection.

For others, it heralds the beginning of the Easter long weekend and can be spent travelling or relaxing with family and friends.

But for almost every Victorian — no matter their personal beliefs or circumstances — Good Friday has long been associated with Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital and its annual Good Friday Appeal fundraiser.

For more than 80 years, the appeal has seen Victorians come together on Good Friday to raise money for our state’s sickest children and those who care for them.

Children like Moolap 12-month-old Quinn O’Leary, who endured 21 surgeries in his first 10 weeks of life after he was born with a severely twisted bowel.

Last Easter, Quinn spent Good Friday in surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital. This year his family are throwing a party to celebrate his good health and to help raise money for the organisation that saved his life.

Anybody who has had children knows just how difficult it is to see a child suffer. Here in Geelong we are blessed to have our own wonderful children’s ward at University Hospital and the equally impressive Barwon Health Foundation which tirelessly fundraises for local patients.

But in extreme circumstances, it is heartening to know that just up the highway exists a hospital so well-equipped — both in terms of facilities and medical experts — that even the most serious medical cases can receive worldclass care.

No matter how you intend to spend Good Friday, take a moment to remember little Quinn and the many families that will be forced to spend the day seeking medical care.

And if you can spare a few dollars, please give that they may grow.