Victorians have once again proven the power of compassion and community, raising a staggering $23,822,792 in this year’s Good Friday Appeal — a historic record for the beloved annual fundraising initiative supporting Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital.
From bustling city centres to tight-knit rural towns, thousands came together through charity events, raffles, auctions, and volunteer drives to support children’s health care. Regional Victoria alone contributed over $5.4 million, showcasing the unwavering generosity of communities big and small.
“This year’s result is truly inspiring,” said Penny Fowler, Chair of the Good Friday Appeal in a press release sent to Neos Kosmos.
“From metro to regional Victoria, communities with big hearts came together to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families. We thank every volunteer, donor, and supporter who made this incredible result possible.”
Rebecca Cowan, Executive Director of the Appeal, echoed the sentiment adding that “This incredible outcome reflects the true spirit of Victorians. Whether you donated, attended Kids Day Out, ran in Run for the Kids, hosted a local event, or tuned into the Channel 7 telethon — you helped change lives. Thank you for helping the hospital continue to provide world-class care to those who need it most.”
Major donations and partnerships also contributed significantly to the record-breaking total:
CFA (Country Fire Authority) raised $1.89 million, bringing its total support over 74 years to more than $41 million.
Villawood and Henley Homes contributed $1.15 million through their Charity House initiative — their highest-ever donation.
The AFL SuperClash match raised $324,533, while the Appeal’s lottery generated $1.09 million through 90,000 tickets sold.
Woolworths and its customers contributed $1.12 million, continuing a long-standing tradition of corporate and community giving.
The funds raised will support key areas at the Royal Children’s Hospital, including:
Expansion of the Child Life Therapy Program in the Emergency Department, helping children manage fear and stress through play-based therapy.
New medical equipment, such as advanced ultrasound machines, for faster and more accurate diagnoses.
Ongoing support for regional health services, improving access to quality care across rural Victoria.
Research and treatment initiatives for serious conditions like epilepsy, sepsis, type 1 diabetes, and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
The Art Therapy Program, providing children and families with creative ways to express and process their emotions during treatment and hospitalisation.
Since its inception in 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has raised more than $492 million, affirming the enduring belief of Victorians in supporting the life-changing work of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The Appeal’s organisers extended heartfelt thanks to its long-time media partners Channel 7 and the Herald Sun, as well as to the thousands of volunteers, collectors, and community groups whose dedication continues to write new chapters in this powerful story of giving.
