Good Friday Appeal
The Good Friday Appeal is a fundraising activity on behalf of the Royal Children's Hospital, in Melbourne, Australia. In 2010, the appeal raised A$14,462,000.[1]
The Good Friday Appeal is a unique fundraising activity that brings together people from all parts of the community in a very special way. The common goal is to raise money for The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Individuals and businesses, clubs, schools and country towns can be seen conducting billycart races or ferret and yabby races, holding a gala ball in a grand hotel, running a golf day or shaking collection cans. The Appeal’s strength lies in the thousands of volunteers who give of their time, expertise and creativity to ensure that events are successful and the rewards are great.
It started in 1931 when a group of sportsmen and journalists from the Herald & Weekly Times' publication The Sporting Globe organised a sporting carnival in aid of charity; the Children’s Hospital was nominated as a recipient of the funds. In 1942, the Managing Director of 'The Herald' agreed that The Herald and radio station 3DB should promote an annual Appeal on Good Friday. In 1957, Channel 7 joined the Appeal and began the first daylong telethon, which continues each year at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium. Channel 7 Melbourne and The Herald and Weekly Times have remained major supporters of the Good Friday Appeal and in recent years 3AW 693 and Magic 1278 have become official radio supporters.
The Good Friday Appeal is known for the fun, enthusiasm and ingenuity of those involved. Supporters
The Appeal is a non-political, non- denominational organisation that exists solely to financially support The Royal Children’s’ Hospital, Melbourne.
Currently, three media organisations 3AW, Seven Melbourne and The Herald and Weekly Times Herald Sun continue to be supporters of the appeal, giving editorial space and endorsement.
[edit] History
The Appeal started in 1931 when groups of journalists from The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd organised a sporting carnival in aid of Melbourne hospitals. The proceeds from the appeal initially went to different hospitals each year, but from their third year proceeds have gone exclusively to the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital.[2] In 1942, Sir Keith Murdoch as Managing Director and Editor of The Herald agreed that The Herald and radio station 3DB (now MIX 101.1) should broadcast an all day appeal on Good Friday. In 1957, HSV-7 joined the appeal and presented a three-hour telethon on Good Friday afternoon. In 1960, the telethon adopted the day-long format which continues annually to this day.
During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the telethon was also re-broadcast through regional Victoria via local channels, with Prime Television being the sole regional broadcaster from 1992 with the aggregation of regional markets.
The Good Friday Appeal is now held at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium where HSV-7, 3AW and Magic 1278 all conduct their day's broadcast from.
In 2008, the appeal raised $12,482,380 and in 2007, $11,788,970. In 2009, the appeal raised over $13,862,734, despite the continuing effects of the global financial crisis and the setbacks Victoria experienced during the 2009 Bushfires in February only two months before.[3]
| Year | Amount raised (A$) |
|---|---|
| 2007 | $11,788,970 |
| 2008 | $12,482,380 |
| 2009 | $13,862,734 |
| 2010 | $14,462,000 [4] |
| 2011 | $15,156,000 [5] |
[edit] References
- ^ Lillebuen, Steve (3 April 2010). "Vic Good Friday Appeal sets new record". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/vic-good-friday-appeal-sets-new-record-20100403-rk69.html. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
- ^ http://www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/default.aspx?s=about_us
- ^ http://www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/default.aspx?s=home
- ^ Betts, Marianne; Firkin, Katherine (3 April 2010). "2010 Good Friday Appeal breaks record, raises $14.462 million for RCH". Herald Sun. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/good-friday-appeal-breaks-record-raises-14462-million-for-rch/story-e6frf7jo-1225849091217. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
- ^ van den Berg, Lucie; McGee, Gillian (23 April 2011). "Good Friday Appeal raises $15.2m". Herald Sun. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/good-friday-appeal-raises-152m/story-fn7x8me2-1226043585048. Retrieved 23 April 2011.
