Courageous kids represent Victoria for the 93rd Good Friday Appeal

The courageous young faces of the 2024 Good Friday Appeal have been announced as Victorians rally together for the most important day of the year.

The courageous young faces of the 93rd Good Friday Appeal have been announced as Victorians’ rally together for the most important day of the year.

Emily Cooke, 10, and Finley Every, 2, will inspire the state of Victoria to shake purple donation tins, buy raffle tickets, and raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) on March 29.

The brave duo have spent most of their young lives as patients at the RCH receiving lifesaving treatment, with Emily fighting a rare form of brain cancer and Finley battling against severe spina bifida.

Emily’s parents Allison and Liam Cooke said they were “beyond appreciative” for the Good Friday Appeal and the life-changing work it supports every year.

“If it weren’t for the amazing team at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Emily would not be here today,” Ms Cooke said.

“We are eternally grateful for the hard working nurses, doctors and support staff at The Royal Children’s Hospital, who have been her biggest supporters throughout her journey, and the Good Friday Appeal, whose continued support helps kids like Emily to retain some sense of normalcy in their lives.

“(The hospital team) are some of her biggest supporters and walk alongside us to advocate and assist Emily living the best life she can.”

In the specialist Sugar Glider ward, Finley’s parents Erin and Jacob Every said they were “eternally grateful” for the statewide fundraiser despite the long road ahead for their family.

“We couldn’t be more thankful for the unwavering support of Finley’s treating team and the level of care they provide every day and who have nurtured us and treated us like family,” Ms Every said.

“In Finley’s short life, he has undergone countless MRIs, X-rays, numerous lines and blood tests, scopes, sleep and swallow studies and lengthy visits to the RCH, not to mention four major surgeries.

“But despite everything, he just gets on with it. He is so brave and brings so much love and joy into our lives.”

The courageous kids represent thousands of patients and loved ones who benefit from the annual statewide fundraiser and the world class care it provides for children across Victoria and beyond.

Executive director of the Good Friday Appeal, Rebecca Cowan, said donations are especially appreciated this year amid “challenging times” for many Australians.

“Every dollar raised by Victorians and fundraisers from this year’s Good Friday Appeal is an investment towards The Royal Children’s Hospital’s innovative and lifesaving projects, building on existing programs to improve children's’ care,” Ms Cowan said.

“Knowing that it has been, and continues to be a very challenging time for many, the Good Friday Appeal sends its heartfelt thanks to all of the Victorians who continue to give what they can as every dollar creates meaningful change for sick children and their families across Victoria.”

Teddy Bear Hospital

While the 2024 Good Friday Appeal marks 93 years since the initiative started in 1931 to save the hospital from closure – this year will also celebrate 10 years of the famous Teddy Bear Hospital.

The heartwarming initiative has been run by volunteer medical students from the University of Melbourne for more than a decade, and encourages kids to bring in their bears for teddy check-ups, X-rays, and physio sessions.

The toy hospital will be part of the highly-anticipated Kids Day Out program at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). This year the MCEC will also celebrate its 10-year partnership with the Good Friday Appeal.

More than 1000,000 people are expected to attend the event alongside the iconic SuperClash AFL match between North Melbourne and Carlton FC, with all funds raised from the event going towards the Appeal.

This year will have big boots to fill after last year’s campaign raised a record breaking $23 million dollars.

The Good Friday Appeal has raised $444 million dollars in total since the initiative started more than nine decades ago.

Ways to get involved

● Donate what you can at goodfridayappeal.com.au

● Register or volunteer in Victoria’s favourite fun run, the Transurban/Herald Sun’s Run for the Kids on March 17, 2024 at www.runforthekids.com.au

● Host a fundraiser, register at goodfridayappeal.com.au/fundraise

● Attend the Good Friday SuperClash AFL match at Marvel Stadium between North Melbourne and Carlton – with $5 from every adult ticket donated directly to the GFA.

● Purchase a $10 raffle ticket online with over $315k worth of prizes on offer to be won.

● Attend the family-fun Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Activities featuring the Teddy Bear Hospital, Woolworths Fresh Fair, carnival rides, sporting zone, market stalls, food trucks, classic cars and entertainment from 10am – 5pm.

● Watch the Channel 7 telethon from 12pm on Good Friday and donate by calling 1300 APPEAL or go online www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/donate

● Donate your containers with 10 cents being donated from each container deposited as part of the Container Deposit Scheme.