Communities around Victoria and beyond have dug deep, producing another exceptional record breaking fundraising total donation tally for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. 

The final tally is: $23,368,724

From tin shaking to raffles, fundraisers and auctions, regional and rural Victoria raised a remarkable $5,261,913.

Penny Fowler, Chairman of the Good Friday Appeal said: “Giving for the kids is what the Good Friday Appeal is all about, and the Appeal continues to shine a light on the generosity and support of the Victorian community. This year’s Appeal is no exception, with people across the state continuing to show what big hearts they have, especially in light of cost of living challenges. We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers and communities in Victoria who gave in any way they could, for The Royal Children’s Hospital. Thank you to both the Federal and State Governments for their generous contributions to the Appeal, ensuring it remains a world-class facility helping sick children and their families.”

Rebecca Cowan, Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal said: “Each year, we’re absolutely amazed by the support of hundreds of thousands of Victorians uniting to give generously,  ensuring  our children will continue to receive the highest quality care.

“No matter how you contributed, whether you joined us at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for Kids Day Out, volunteered, took part in a local fundraiser, took part in our annual Run for the Kids, tuned into Channel 7’s Telethon, watched the AFL SuperClash, bought a raffle ticket or donated, we thank you,” said Rebecca.

This year, funds from the Good Friday Appeal will go directly to new and ongoing programs including extending Child Life Therapy into the Emergency Department, increasing community health literacy, purchasing an ultrasound machine and a new RETCAM tool, and investing in studies and programs that support the diagnosis or treatment of epilepsy, sepsis, Diabetes1 and ALL. This year also saw the Good Friday Appeal taking the RCH excellence into the regions by distributing a portion of funds raised to regional health centres for the first time in its 93 year history.

The Good Friday Appeal would not have been possible without the support of its partners; the Herald Sun and Channel 7, The Weekly Times, Geelong Advertiser, 3AW, Smooth & Nova, QMS Media, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, City of Melbourne, Telstra, Woolworths, Henley Homes, Villawood Properties, CFA, RCH Auxiliaries, North Melbourne and Carlton Football Clubs and the AFL, Decjuba Foundation, Cadbury, Qatar Airways, Uncle Bob’s Club, Pied Pipers, Racing Victoria, Victoria Racing Club, Chemist Warehouse, Bambi Mini Co, Bunnings, Costco, Little Athletics Victoria, Hunky Dory, ALH, AHA Vic, Container Deposit Scheme, and Empower Australia.

The 2024 Good Friday Appeal is incredibly grateful to the thousands of committed collectors, volunteers, devoted tin rattlers, dedicated area managers, corporate partners, community groups and the people of Victoria. It is because of their commitment that Australian children are able to receive the best care possible. 

With an incredible fundraising result, the Good Friday Appeal is truly humbled by the generosity of the Victorian community and beyond. Since 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has raised a momentous $468 million going directly to The Royal Children’s Hospital.