With the passing of long-time Good Friday Appeal local area manager Mick Sanderson, this year’s fundraising efforts will see some changes; however, the core of the appeal remains the same.
Mr Sanderson, who was made an Honorary Life Governor of the Royal Children’s Hospital in 1985, oversaw the fundraiser in Seymour from 2011 to 2024.
Shortly after last year’s appeal, Mr Sanderson died, but his passion for supporting the community lives on.
Chris Lewis, Mr Sanderson’s daughter, said the fundraiser was “in the family”.
Having started out rattling a collection tin through the streets when she was just 10 years old, Ms Lewis is now working alongside newly appointed local area manager Bart Chanloup to organise the fundraising in town this year.
Before the big day, volunteers will be sizzling sausages at Bunnings on Saturday, April 12 to raise money for the cause, and both Mr Chanloup and Ms Lewis welcome all to the Anzac Ave store to satiate their hunger for a cause.
On Good Friday, local organisations such as the Seymour Fire Brigade, Seymour SES, Girl Guides, Hilldene Fire Brigade and Whiteheads Creek Fire Brigade, along with other volunteers from the community, will be tin-rattling throughout Seymour and surrounds.
In Chittick Park, Seymour Cricket Club will be receiving and counting collections.
Ms Lewis and Mr Chanloup encourage any interested volunteers to get involved on the day.
“I think it’s a fantastic cause, it’s a good thing to get behind and help raise funds,” Mr Chanloup said.
“If anyone wants to volunteer on the day, they’re welcome to.
“It’s not just for the few, it’s for the many.”
Families should note that if their children are interested in participating, they will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Last year, the Seymour community raised over $30,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital, adding to the exceptional efforts achieved by the community since it was brought to the region.
“In that time, the Seymour area has raised over a million,” Ms Lewis said.
Currently, locals have contributed around $4500, and Mr Chanloup and Ms Lewis are aiming to amass $20,000 for the year.
For more information on, or to donate to, the Good Friday Appeal in Seymour, head to tinyurl.com/yk5zdwyk
Mr Chanloup encourages interested volunteers to get in contact on 0407 218 418, or just show up on the day.
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