Benalla’s Good Friday Appeal going strong thanks to Ron’s 50 years of dedication

Benalla CFA First Lieutenant Charlie Sexton said it was Ron who made the day a success every year.

“He is the driving force behind it all,” Charlie said.

“He takes care of all the admin and planning. We’re just the boots on the ground collecting, counting and participating.

“He leads it all, and the work he’s been doing for decades is worthy of celebrating.”

On top of the work of the Benalla community, others across the area collected thousands of dollars for the appeal, a vital annual fundraiser supporting the wonderful work done at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Across Victoria, fundraising activities brought in a record $23,822,792.

Charlie said the whole brigade enjoyed taking part in the Good Friday Appeal, with many in Benalla having a close link to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“A lot of our members have been in the Royal Children’s Hospital,” he said.

“And a lot have children who have been looked after by the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“So there’s a personal connection for a lot of our members.”

From tin shaking to raffles, collection groups, fundraisers, auctions and events, regional and rural Victoria alone contributed an impressive $5,428,009 to the appeal.

GFA chair Penny Fowler said communities across Victoria had united to make a huge difference for sick children and their families.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, donor, fundraiser and supporter who came together to make this year’s appeal a remarkable success,” Ms Fowler said.

“Your generosity and dedication is truly remarkable.”

Key highlights from this year’s notable contributions include the CFA, which marked 80 years of formation and 74 years of fundraising for the Good Friday Appeal.

Its dedicated volunteers raised an incredible $1,888,912 this year, bringing their lifetime total to over $41 million.

This year’s donations will support vital programs and advancements, including extending child life therapy into the emergency department, purchasing specialised medical equipment such as ultrasound machines, supporting regional health services across Victoria for the second year, and investing in critical research and treatments for conditions such as epilepsy, sepsis, Type 1 diabetes and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Additionally, this year’s appeal will support the RCH’s art therapy program, which provides children and families with a creative and supportive outlet to express and explore the emotional impact of hospitalisation, illness and treatment.

Good Friday Appeal executive director Rebecca Cowan said the remarkable success of this year’s appeal would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of communities across Victoria, many of whom donated or fundraised because of their personal connection to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“This incredible achievement is a testament to the Victorian spirit,” she said.

“Whether you donated, attended Kids’ Day Out, joined Run for the Kids, participated in local fundraisers, or tuned in to Channel 7’s telethon, your contribution has made a difference.

“Thank you for helping us ensure the Royal Children’s Hospital can continue providing world-class care.”