CFA’s Doreen Fire Brigade has welcomed face of the 2022 Good Friday Appeal, Isla, as an honorary member of the brigade.
Isla met with brigade members on Monday, 28 March, for a tour of the fire station and truck to help promote the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal.
The eight-year-old is in remission after spending half her life in treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Today she met with members of the Doreen Brigade where she was decked out in firefighter gear, had a go using a fire hose and went for a ride in the fire truck.
After Isla’s day with the brigade she promptly turned to her mum and said “I need to come back here every weekend so I can take care of business.”
Isla is back to her bubbly self at school too and dancing to her little heart’s content.
The Appeal also has special significance to CFA Doreen Brigade, as two of Captain Robert Bury’s grandchildren have received life-saving care at the hospital.
Grandson Daniel was diagnosed in vitro with a blockage of the heart in 2001, and Granddaughter Charli was born at 26 weeks gestation, weighing just 740g.
Upon Daniel’s arrival he was immediately transferred to the RCH where he would become one of the first newborns to receive a pacemaker. This saved Daniel’s life.
When Daniel turned 18, he received a new pacemaker in a 10-hour operation.
“Daniel would not be alive today without RCH and their wonderful doctors,” Robert said.
Charli developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and when she became septic was transferred to the RCH. Robert’s wife Carole said that every day was a trial.
“Eventuality after a full 6 months she was well enough to come home. Charli has had several follow ups at RCH and had revision surgery,” Carole said.
“Without the RCH and their wonderful dedicated and caring doctors we would not have these two amazing grandchildren”.
Doreen, along with Epping CFA, will be collecting again this year at the intersection of Cooper and High Streets, Epping. Over the years they have raised a total of $171,000 and this year have set a target of $20,000.
“We run a bit of a competition amongst the rattlers to see who can collect the most from every mode of transport including buses, taxis, ambulances, police cars, fire trucks, motorcycles, horses, and pedestrians”, Robert said.
“At the end of Good Friday we like to escort the collection into the city to meet up with other CFA Brigades whilst we await the final tally of the day’s collection.”
Good Friday Appeal Executive Director, Rebecca Cowan said they’re so grateful to CFA for their continued support of the Good Friday Appeal.
“For 71 years, CFA have been supporting the Good Friday Appeal in raising much needed funds for The Royal Children's Hospital and every year we are inspired by their generous contributions,” Rebecca said.
“So many of our CFA fundraisers have a personal connection to The Royal Children’s Hospital, making the partnership even more significant. We’re grateful to the CFA for all their hard work and support and are incredibly thankful to every Victorian who donates to their local CFA”.
CFA members have supported the Good Friday Appeal since 1951 (71 years), volunteering their time and raising funds for the hospital and have raised more than $35 million. The 2022 Good Friday Appeal will be held on Friday 15 April.
To find out more on how you can donate please visit: https://www.virtualtinshake.com.au/fundraisers/EppingandDoreenFireBrigades/virtual-tin-shake