THE Hamilton Victoria Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal for 2023 smashed last year’s tally sitting at just over $50,000 at time of printing, compared to last year’s tally of $46,000 - with thousands still to be counted.

It was also an outstanding result for the small town of Macarthur, who broke last year’s record of $35,247, by almost $5000 - hitting $40,495.

Local tin shakers, community run raffles, barbecues and auctions all went gangbusters around the community in the lead up to and on Good Friday with people showing great generosity despite the rising cost of living.

Hamilton Lions Club member and appeal coordinator, Allan Hadden said it was a magnificent effort by everyone with some people walking the streets of Hamilton all day and in the rain, with thousands of dollars coming in from the smaller towns.

“I think it was a good morale booster,” he said.

“It was a combined effort with tremendous support from locals and the great efforts of the urban fire brigades.

“We’ve done really well but there’s still a lot to be counted.”

Mr Hadden was not inclined to relax just yet after the monstrous effort to coordinate tin shakers, other fundraising activities and then the big count.

“It’s a lot of work - it takes a bit to wind down - a lot of people put in a huge effort,” he said.

“Not all the tubs have come in from Dunkeld yet,” he said.

“There’s still between three and four thousand left to count.

“I think we’ll almost get to $55,000.”

Mr Hadden said Wannon MP Dan Tehan had the honour of drawing the Easter raffle on Good Friday which alone raised $2700.

“And we’ve booked him in again for next year,” he said.

Macarthur & District fundraising efforts included a community tea and auction on Good Friday night, with event coordinator, Sandra Addinsall, thrilled with the result.

“We’re very, very excited with the result,” she said.

“Considering the rain - the weather wasn’t on our side, but everyone still came out in force.

“It’s a very generous community - people tend to dig deep when it comes to sick children.”

For a community the size of Condah, the final tally of $31,402 was another outstanding result for a small rural town, that more than doubled its previously held record.

Condah’s Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal coordinator, Carolyn Malseed had the mammoth task of organising the fundraising.

Activities included an auction on Good Friday night at the Green Hills Hotel and a Show ‘n’ Shine event the week before.

“We are stoked,” she said.

“It was a team effort - for a small community -we reckon it was pretty good.

“Someone counted around 170 in the pub during the auction at one stage - there were a few outside - it was very busy and very exciting.

“The auction made just over $16,000.

“The footy jumper signed by Geelong AFL player, Jeremy Cameron made $3000, Finchett’s wood heater made $3600 - the kid’s tractor went for $1400.

“A bloke paid $180 each for two jars of my yoyos.”

Other smaller towns around the district came in with impressive tallies including Coleraine with a result of $4515 and Cavendish - $4800.