Victorians have once again shown their extraordinary generosity and community spirit, delivering a record-breaking total for the 2025 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Final Total: $23,822,792

From tin shaking to raffles, collection groups, fundraisers, auctions, and events, regional and rural Victoria alone contributed an impressive $5,428,009.

Penny Fowler, Chairman of the Good Friday Appeal, said: “From across the city and suburbs to small towns with big hearts and major regional centres, communities all across Victoria have united to make a huge difference for sick children and their families. We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, donor, fundraiser, and supporter who came together to make this year’s Appeal a remarkable success. Your generosity and dedication is truly remarkable.”

Rebecca Cowan, Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal, said: “This incredible achievement is a testament to the Victorian spirit. Whether you donated, attended Kids Day Out, joined Run for the Kids, participated in local fundraisers, or tuned into Channel 7’s Telethon, your contribution has made a difference. Thank you for helping us ensure The Royal Children’s Hospital can continue providing world-class care.”

The remarkable success of this year’s Appeal would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of the community, many of whom donate or fundraise because of their personal connection to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). Victorians who have been touched by the hospital’s exceptional care continue to hold fundraisers and make donations that reflect their gratitude and support.

Key highlights from this year’s notable contributions include the CFA, which marked 80 years of formation and 74 years of fundraising for the Good Friday Appeal. Their dedicated volunteers raised an incredible $1,888,912 this year, bringing their lifetime total to over $41 million. The Villawood and Henley Homes charity home broke records, contributing an outstanding $1,150,000. The sold-out SuperClash AFL game contributed $324,533, while the Good Friday Appeal raffle raised $1,091,089 through the sale of nearly 90,000 tickets and donations.

Woolworths teams and its generous customers contributed an impressive $1,118,925, continuing their tradition of unwavering support.

This year’s donations will support vital programs and advancements, including extending Child Life Therapy into the Emergency Department, purchasing specialised medical equipment such as ultrasound machines, supporting regional health services across Victoria for the second year, and investing in critical research and treatments for conditions like epilepsy, sepsis, Type 1 diabetes, and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Additionally, this year’s Appeal will support the Art Therapy Program, which provides children and families with a creative and supportive outlet to express and explore the emotional impact of hospitalisation, illness, and treatment.

Since 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has raised over $492 million, with every dollar making a difference for sick children and their families. This enduring partnership with the Victorian community, organisations, and volunteers is a shining example of the power of collective action.

The Good Friday Appeal extends immense gratitude to its principal partners, Channel 7 and the Herald Sun who shared inspiring stories, as well as its valued supporters, area managers, tin shakers, community and collection groups, and volunteers for their dedication. Together, we’ve achieved something truly extraordinary.