Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers will once again hit the streets and rattle tins to fundraise for the annual Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
2022 marks CFA’s 71st year proudly supporting the appeal. The sight of volunteers fundraising from fire trucks and at traffic lights across the state is an iconic feature of the event.
CFA has raised more than $35m since 1951, helping the hospital deliver world-class care to sick kids.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Kaylene Jones, CFA Warrandyte Lieutenant Camren Jones and three of his brigade members joined staff and families at the Royal Children’s Hospital to launch this year’s campaign.
“Warrandyte has been fundraising for the appeal for the last six years, and so far, we have raised about $24,000,” Camren said.
“CFA volunteerism is all about giving back to the community and I don’t think there’s any greater cause than helping children, especially in their time of need.”
Being involved in the Good Friday Appeal also has a special place in Camren’s heart.
“When I was a child, I had to see a specialist at the Royal Children’s Hospital, so I feel like I’m just giving back to those that helped me when I was younger. It’s really one of the major highlights of being a CFA volunteer each year,” he said.
Camren said that 2020 was different, with all Appeal fundraising held online. It presented a unique challenge, however, one that he was happy to work through. Though he is looking forward to in-person tin-rattling again this year.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Kaylene Jones also attended the launch and praised CFA volunteers’ commitment.
“It’s a testament to our volunteers’ community-mindedness, that not only do they volunteer to keep their communities safe from fire and other emergencies – in their remaining spare time they are also fundraising for other causes,” she said.
“We are incredibly proud of that effort and pleased to once again step-up and support the Appeal in 2022.
“It has been a tough few years for many Victorians, but if you can, please make a donation to this important cause.”
Victorians will be able to donate to local brigades’ appeals online.