With pressing cost of living demands and the recent, and rapid, rise in fuel prices, it’s hard to believe that the Seymour and district region poured $4373 more into the appeal than last year.
Local district manager Bart Chanloup said he was shocked when the final figures came through.
“They all dug deep and gave as much as they could, which was awesome. That was reflected in the figure with the extra $4000 this year,” he said.
“We were completely surprised by it. We didn’t expect it.
“Obviously, we knew we were going to raise some money, but we didn’t think it’d be that successful.”
On Good Friday, Mr Chanloup said the team banked just over $13,000, adding to the area’s total of $31,371.24.
Much of the money raised was the result of volunteers generously paying with their time to aid the cause.
“We had members from the CFA, from Seymour, Whiteheads Creek and Trawool assist with the collections – and Seymour SES, too,” Mr Chanloup said.
“We also had volunteers with no affiliations helping out – my family all jumped in and went door knocking themselves.
“Everyone that attended did it for the right reason: to help the kids and to try and raise money.”
Mr Chanloup said the volunteers were themselves supported by Doug’s Bakery, which supplied bread and hot cross buns, Allen’s Lollies and the Seymour Cricket Club, the base of operations.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland was also present to tin rattle in the streets of Seymour.
Mr Chanloup thanked everyone involved who made the day such a success and the generous community behind the sizeable sum amassed.
“I’d just like to thank (the community) for being so generous and giving what they could give,” he said.
“Without the support of the community, the actual collection on the day wouldn’t work.
“It’s just amazing that people, even though they could be struggling, still want to donate to such a worthy cause as the Royal Children’s Hospital – it’s a great thing.”
