Gisborne Country Fire Authority (CFA) joined the launch of the Royal Children’s Hospital’s (RCH) Good Friday Appeal to mark 75 years of the CFA’s involvement, 50 years of the brigade’s involvement and an overall 95 years of fundraising for the appeal.
Over the past 75 years, CFA members have raised more than $41 million for the Good Friday Appeal. Hopes are high that this year’s effort will raise even more than last year’s $1.88 million.
On Thursday 19 February, Gisborne Fire Brigade members and CFA deputy chief officer Trevor Weston joined in on the festivities at the RCH to officially launch the 2026 Good Friday Appeal.
Members formed a Guard of Honour to announce the Faces of the Appeal – three-year-old Alissa and six-year-old Oliver. Both children received life-saving care at the RCH.
Gisborne Good Friday Appeal area manager and CFA brigade member Mark Carter has been organising and fundraising for 20 years as a passionate ambassador, and is extremely proud of the bridgade’s work.
“For us, it is a special tradition, and some of our members have been involved for up to 50 years,” he said.
“We get local scouts and cubs involved and we usually get two or three minibuses and take them around town – they get a real buzz out of it for such a good cause.
“We still do the old-style door knock and fundraise at local shops throughout the year.
“Seeing what comes through at the end of the day and knowing it goes to such a fantastic place is so rewarding.”
Last year the brigade raised $74,107, bringing the cumulative total to $399,584. Volunteers are set to celebrate an impressive $400,000 in their milestone 50th year.
“The work they do in the RCH is so important. I had two premature babies myself, and I’m thankful they didn’t need to go there, but I always knew the support was there if needed,” Mr Carter said.
“The technology and expertise they get from RCH is well worth it, because the kids are worth it.”
Details: fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/find-a-fundraiser
