FIRE BRIGADES across the Loddon have helped the Country Fire Authority takes its total fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal over $40 million.
Local brigade members and volunteers were out rattling tins on Friday as the CFA continued its tradition started 74 years ago.
Chief Fire Officer Jason Heffernan said: “Being able to exceed the $40 million milestone in the same year CFA celebrate their 80th anniversary is quite fitting and is a touching nod to our shared community spirit.”
In Inglewood, the brigade was joined by dozens of children doorknocking homes while in Korong Vale, members were joined by Easter Bunny.
Co-ordinator Elissa Wilson had spent Thursday collecting donation tins from local businesses as the town’s contribution to the appeal went past $6000.
At Wedderburn, a surge in brigade membership in the last 12 months saw its tin rattlers out during the week and again on Friday.
Secretary Louise Gamble and Michelle Hargreaves collected donations at the booked out caravan park and at the town’s bowls tournament. “This year, we have the members to be out collecting,” Michelle said.
Members of the football club and Wedderburn Hotel teamed to raise $500 in the weekly raffle while the golf club chipped in with $200 from the day’s competition.
Jany Clutton organised monster hamper raffles that were drawn at the Bridgewater Hotel while at Newbridge a special raffle draw followed an Easter egg hunt on Sunday morning organised by the town’s social club and raised $881.
In Pyramid Hill, youngsters collecting on Friday was praised by Victoria Hotel publican Paul Carter.

Town Totals