Wimmera helps break record

Wimmera generosity has contributed to a record-breaking statewide total of $18,175,467 for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

From tin rattlers to community fundraisers and everything in between, Wimmera people helped raise more than $250,000.

Horsham was the largest contributor, raising $51,748. Ararat raised $43,726 and Stawell $36,739, based on tallies at 11pm on Friday.

For Ararat, celebrating 50 years of collection for the appeal, its 2019 total brings the city’s historic tally to less than $25,000 short of $1-million.

Ararat and district area manager Graeme Cooper said it was a great effort from the Ararat community and congratulated the 142 volunteers assisting on Friday.

“This total has been possible due to the fantastic work from the Ararat community throughout the year and coordinated by the Ararat Fire Brigade,” he said.

“The hard work from all volunteers and children who walked the streets shaking tins on Good Friday raised $9267.”

In other areas, St Arnaud raised $14,121, Dimboola raised $5230, Edenhope $6563, Natimuk $6501, and Murtoa $6638.

Good Friday Appeal director Anne Randall said reaching the final tally would have been impossible without the dedicated communities across the state who came together to support the cause.

“We acknowledge area managers in regional areas as well as the people in those communities for their donation,” she said.

“All the generous donations and funds raised go towards state-of-the-art equipment and technology, patient and family-centred care, research, education and training at the wonderful Royal Children’s Hospital.”