By Ewen McRae
Fundraising for the annual Good Friday Appeal is in full swing, and the Bacchus Marsh Lions Club is hoping for another record-breaking year.
While the club raises money year-round, the biggest influx of donations is expected this Friday as locals dig deep to contribute to the work of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Bacchus Marsh Lions Club appeal area manager David Atterbury said the club has high hopes for this year’s efforts.
“Last year was a record for us, and we’re probably just ahead of where we were at this time last year,” Mr Atterbury said.
“I think last year we raised $30,740, so we’re aiming for above $31,000 for this year, which would be terrific.
“The day itself obviously has our biggest donations, and the community has always been terrific. You wouldn’t have many people who walk or drive past without throwing some coins in the can.”
The Good Friday Appeal raised more than $18 million nationally in 2018, a new record.
Mr Atterbury said the only issue this year was finding more people to help collect donations on Friday. He put a call out for more volunteers to get involved.
“We’re probably a bit low for can shakers at the moment, so we’d love to have some more get in touch,” he said.
“We get some from the CFA, local community groups, and some from the local schools, but we can always have more.
“It’s not irregular for us to have low numbers, because quite a few do just turn up on the day, and we obviously hope that happens again this year.” The Lions Club will be based outside the fire station on Main Street, Bacchus Marsh from 9am on Good Friday, April 19.
Anyone interested in volunteering on the day can contact Mr Atterbury on 0439 324 494.
