With a (still growing) total of $83,105 raised for the Royal Children’s Hospital, the twin towns ranked third in regional Victoria, behind Wangaratta ($96,518) and Ballarat ($123,231).
It’s nearly double what was raised last year when COVID-19 restrictions dampened the day’s usual activities.
It was a joint effort between Echuca Lions Club, Echuca Fire Brigade, Echuca Village and Bamawm Extension CFA, SES, Kiwanis, Moama Fire and Rescue, Moama RFS, Echuca-Moama Search and Rescue and local stores.
Echuca CFA captain Rob Amos said the brigade had five vehicles out on the day making their way through town.
“It was really good to be back out; obviously we didn’t do it last year, which was disappointing for everyone,” he said.
“It was fantastic and people were very generous, we felt very blessed.”
Locals and tourists alike helped the cause, with the CFA going through the holiday parks and along the river to the campers on the day.
The Moama branch of Fire and Rescue NSW raised $6123, with four firefighters in their truck dropping into the holiday parks and resorts on the other side of the Murray River.
“It’s as good as we’ve done and with only a small group it was a pretty good effort,” captain Toby Teasdale said.
Echuca Lions Club members counted most of the money, a task they’ve taken on for more than 25 years.
“The club would like to acknowledge the support from Echuca Workers Club, who supplied the venue, food and refreshments for the volunteers,” area manager Laurie Stewart said.
“On behalf of the Good Friday Appeal, I would like to thank all volunteers involved in the appeal.”
In 2019, more than $76,000 was raised in Echuca-Moama, while last year the total was $43,872.
Overall, the appeal raised more than $17 million, which will go towards the new statewide Virtual Care Program, upgraded medical imaging ultrasound machines to continue to advance patient care and more than 25 different types of equipment to be used across the hospital.
Donations can still be made at goodfridayappeal.com.au
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