Last year the Devenish, Dookie and District Good Friday Appeal (DDGFA) raised a whopping $120,248, the second highest total in the state, runner up only to Ballarat.
In the past seven years the committee have so far raised half a million dollars, an amazing feat for towns that amass 208 and 333 people respectively according to the latest Census data.
Once again DDGFA are currently fundraising and are in the planning stages of their biggest individual fundraising day of the year on Friday, March 29.
The ever-popular premier motorbike and car show ‘n’ shine will once again be held at the Gladstone Hotel/ main street of Dookie on Good Friday with vehicle registration from 8am, viewing from 9am and presentations at 12noon. Vehicle entry is $10.
There will be activities for the whole family including raffles, auctions, kids rides and most importantly plenty of live music.
Alongside the show ‘n’ shine is the popular online auction run by Kevin Hicks Real Estate with the committee hoping to raise upwards of $30,000 for the cause.
Hardworking DDGFA Committee member Matt Parker alongside his wife Narelle and sons Judd and Blake were out collecting the donations last week and urge the community to get involved in this very worthwhile cause.
“People from all over have donated to the online auction, locally in Yarra and Mul, Shep, Wodonga and all around the region,” Matt said.
“It is not just products that are up for auction with vouchers, accommodation, dinners and more to be auctioned off.
“We (the committee) fundraise year-round and raise around $40,000 and $50,000 before our big day on Good Friday.
“Our appeal is growing bigger every year. Already we are tracking to raise more than last year which is fantastic when it is going to such a worthwhile cause.
“Our yabby races that we held over the Australia Day long weekend raised $6000 and all of this goes towards our appeal figure.
“On the labour day weekend we will also have a stall next to Burkes Hotel, selling stubby holders and fundraising for the Good Friday appeal so we hope to see locals there.
“In terms of the online auction, the full catalogue will be online for viewing on the Kevin Hicks Real Estate clearing sale online auction website by the first of March and once the auction begins, buyers have five days to bid from March 12 to March 19.
“Tim Roadley will also be running from Devenish to Dookie with all proceeds raised going towards our cause.”
Check out the online auction for some great bargains and come along and enjoy an afternoon of fun and laughter for the whole family on Good Friday to help raise much needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
