By Danielle Kutchel
Casey firies have raised thousands for the annual Good Friday Appeal as residents opened their hearts and wallets for the cause.
Berwick CFA and Narre Warren CFA collected a total of $10,472.35 from their collection spot at the High Street intersection in Berwick, beating their total from 2019.
Berwick firefighter Meg, whose 20-month-old son Bailey has spent time in the specialist care of the hospital , said the total was “incredible” and said the Berwick and Narre Warren CFA crews were grateful to those who donated.
“The Berwick CFA and Narre Warren CFA would like to send a huge thankyou to everyone who donated at either the High Street intersection on the day or to our virtual tin shake,” she said.
Over on Sladen Street in Cranbourne, members of the Cranbourne CFA raised $19,495.25, bringing Casey’s total to $29,967.60.
“We definitely weren’t expecting that,” said Cranbourne firefighter Zoe Russell.
“In 2019 we only raised $13,500 at that intersection so it’s a big jump after the year we’ve had.”
She said passers-by had wanted to give “as much as they could”, and even donations of just 50 cents had made a huge difference.
Ms Russell said she and her fellow firies hope that the money raised will help give sick kids better quality of life, improving the technology available to help them get better and live the life they deserve.
“We hope it goes a long way,” she said.
Overall, the CFA as a whole collected a whopping $1,028,328 for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
On Good Friday, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan presented the cheque for more than $1 million alongside members from Berwick and Narre Warren Fire Brigades.
Mr Heffernan gave congratulations to all involved in this year’s Appeal.
“It was an honour to present the cheque to the Royal Children’s Hospital on behalf of the dedicated CFA members right across Victoria,” he said.
“CFA brigades have a long and rich history supporting the appeal and this year was no exception.
“Congratulations to all of our CFA members involved in raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital – it was a fantastic effort and you and your communities should be proud.”
