Vinny lives on through Symes family fundraiser

By Billie Davern

Apr 4, 2025

For their third year, Ricky and Jodi Symes will be fundraising to support the Good Friday Appeal, while also keeping the memory of their late son alive. Photo: Issie Hill. Photo by Contributed

In 2021, the Symes suffered an unimaginable loss.

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At just three weeks old, Vinny Symes tragically passed away at the Royal Children’s Hospital just days after meeting his older sisters.

While in the pits of grief, Vinny’s parents, Ricky and Jodi, decided they were going to do what it took to preserve the memory of their son, while also offering valuable support to families facing similar situations.

It’s been three years since Team Vinny, an initiative run by the couple to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital, was formed.

And in that short time, Mr Symes said his family has been overwhelmed by the support from the community.

“It’s amazing, the town always jumps in to support,” Mr Symes said.

“We literally had hundreds of people come last year, we sold out of everything.”

In 2024, the Team Vinny fundraiser amassed a total of $6353.85 for the Good Friday Appeal.

But, it’s not just the money that matters to Mr and Mrs Symes.

“Losing a child, you do feel very isolated and alone,” Mr Symes said.

“We try as best as we can to get on with life, and obviously, it’s difficult.

“The great thing about it is, you don’t know how many people have been through the same thing until people come to you.

“What we’re trying to do is make sure we’re available because talking is the best thing we can do.”

This year’s Team Vinny fundraiser will be held on Easter Saturday, April 19, at 33 Cecil St, Benalla.

From 10am to noon, attendees can expect a range of delicious food, such as slices, lollies, sausages and snow cones; a raffle; and head-shaving, with Chloe from Chloe and Co Hair coming along to give some of the volunteers a new look in support of the appeal.

All the funds raised will go towards the Good Friday Appeal, a cause dear to the heart of the Symes family.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital is all he knew, and for us, it’s not a huge number in terms of what they usually raise, but if we’re making a difference, that’s great,” Mr Symes said.

Simultaneously, the fundraiser is also about preserving the memory of Vinny, who lives on in the hearts of his parents.

“We talk about him all the time,” Mr Symes said.

“People still do presents for him and people still write him on their cards.

“We just want to keep his memory alive.”

Mr and Mrs Symes welcome all to attend the Team Vinny fundraiser, to both support an important cause, and to keep the memory of their son alive.