Record breaking appeal

Contributing to the record was the extra busy Easter weekend experienced locally, as well as the inaugural Kid4Kids Fun Day hosted by the Deniliquin RSL Club on Good Friday.

Deniliquin Good Friday Appeal coordinator Fay Mills said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community, particularly during a drought.

‘‘This was an amazing effort on the town’s behalf. Locals have helped out every charity they can, and to have raised this much is incredible.’’

Mrs Mills said this was especially the case because most local children will not use the RCH.

‘‘It felt wonderful (to reach this target) after all of the long hours put in by volunteers.

‘‘The outcome is definitely worth it, because no matter what we raise it will always go towards helping Australia’s youngest generation including local children.’’

Of the total raised, $9640 was the result of the annual raffle.

At least $2900 was made from the Kids4Kids Fun Day, with the final tally yet to be finalised, and Deniliquin’s NSW Fire & Rescue firefighters collected $1500 around the town and at the Good Friday football match in Deniliquin. An additional $878 was raised by the Deniliquin Rams Football and Netball Club from the day.

Mrs Mills said the rest came from volunteers who ‘rattled the tins’.

Deniliquin RSL Club chairman John Jansen said he was very happy with the outcome of the charity day.

‘‘We had more than 400 attend throughout the day, which definitely exceeded our expectations,’’ he said.

‘‘The feedback from visitors, locals and patrons was really great and they hope we continue the event annually.

‘‘We will be looking at running the bowls tournament and the fun day again next year, because it was such a success.’’

Good Friday Appeal director Anne Randall said the national total was also a record breaker, with $18,175,467 raised.

She said the funds raised go towards state-of-the-art equipment and technology, patient and family centred care, research, education and training.