GOOD Friday falls on April 7 this year, and the Hamilton Lions Club is well prepared ahead of its annual fundraising efforts in the lead up to the Hamilton Victoria Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal.

Hamilton Lions Club member and Appeal coordinator, Allan Hadden, said a whole range of activities had been organised locally to raise funds to enable the RCH to provide world class care for our children.

Aside from the tin shakers, street collections and door knocks, there will also be barbecues, the Easter hamper raffle and a bake/produce sale.

“Basically, things are pretty much in place,” Mr Hadden said.

“Tin rattling does begin beforehand because people may be getting away (for Easter) so we’re better off to get people to collect when they’ve got the time.

“The hospital (RCH) still has to send out official IDs - once they arrive, people can go and start to collect.”

Last year community support included the CFA, local Fire Brigades, Hamilton SES, the Hamilton Kangaroos Football Netball Club among other football and netball clubs, local businesses, individuals, and other organisations.

All combined, around $46,000 was raised and they would like to increase the amount this year.

“Last year the raffles for the Easter hamper raised $4500 - the hospital (RCH) said that was almost a record,” Mr Hadden said.

“The bake sale organised by Erika Murphy raised over $7000.”

Ms Murphy said the bake/produce sale will run again from The Roxburgh on Good Friday from 9am-12noon or until sold out.

“It will be huge,” she said.

“There will be cakes, slices, lots of preserves and breads.”

Mr Hadden said there were still a number of areas which they needed help with for collections which can start during March.

“We’ve still got a few roads that need covering,” he said.

“There’s some areas that haven’t been done before - north of North Boundary Road is one area that can be done on or before Good Friday.

“Any help would be very much appreciated.”

Good Friday Appeal tins have already started appearing on counters in local businesses.

Two barbecues have been organised, one at Coles Supermarket on Saturday, March 11, and the other on March 18 at Two Doors café on Brown Street, selling egg and bacon rolls from 8-11am.

All fundraising efforts add to the official total for the 2023 Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal on Friday, April 7, 2023.

Please contact the Hamilton Lions Club at hamiltonviclions@gmail.com if you are able to assist.