HAMILTON’s annual Good Friday Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) bake sale is returning this weekend, to be held on Sunday from 9am-12pm (or until sold out) outside the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre (HPAC).

Normally held on Good Friday, Hamilton has held the RCH bake sale to raise funds for the worthy cause, encouraging residents to drop baked goods in or come along and purchase treats or participate in activities at the stalls.

In the past, the bake sale has received overwhelming community support - raising over $9000 last year.

After that success, locals are reminded that the bake sale has had a venue change to HPAC due to an increase in numbers, outgrowing the previous venue at The Roxburgh.

This year, Groke Hamilton are proudly offering catering on the day as well as coffee provided by the Two Doors Cafe.

Woolworths Hamilton has also donated $250 worth of easter eggs on the day for the raffle.

RCH bake sale organiser, Erica Murphy said that the event was very near and dear to her heart, as her 12-year-old daughter Aliera has been a patient at the RCH since she was 11 months old, experiencing daily seizures associated with her epilepsy.

“Aliera visits the RCH regularly, and they have done a lot for her over the years, so we try to raise money to give back to the cause,” Ms Murphy said.

“When the community buys, it is their way of giving back.”

Last year, the bake sale raised $7000 alone, with contributions from stalls on the day that lead to the combined total raised of $9079.20.

This year, there will be multiple tables at the bake sale including the ‘kids table’ ran by Ms Murphy’s younger daughter, Jordee, who will be making crafts with her Nan, Lynette Donaldson. 

Monivae student, Macy Reily from Hamilton will also be Henna tattooing on the day, amongst many talented individuals offering their services. 

There have been many local businesses sponsoring the event and providing donations, including Hamilton Hamper, The Bunyip Hotel in Cavendish, The Speckled frog and many more.

This year, Ms Murphy hopes to beat last year’s total raised from the bake sale day.

“We would absolutely love to crack $10,000 (raised),” Ms Murphy said.

Ms Murphy also said that anyone wishing to donate goods for the bake sale can drop them off between 7-8am on Sunday morning.

“Otherwise, the community can show support by coming down and buying,” she said.

“We appreciate everyone’s support, it is such a big fundraiser for RCH, and it’s great that Hamilton puts in so much dedication, because it is such a good cause.

“So many locals here are RCH patients or have been patients in the past, this is just one way of thanking the RCH for all they have done for our community.”