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It all started in 1931 when groups of journalists
from the Herald & Weekly Times organised a sporting carnival in aid of charity, the Children’s Hospital being a recipient of the funds. In 1942, Sir Keith Murdoch as Managing Director and Editor of 'The Herald' agreed that The Herald and radio station 3DB should broadcast an all day Appeal on Good Friday. In 1957, Channel 7 joined the Appeal and began the first daylong telethon, which is now held at Melbourne’s Telstra Dome.

Channel 7 Melbourne and The Herald and Weekly Times have remained the major supporters of the Good Friday Appeal and are critical to its success. As well in 2007 we welcome 3AW 693 and Magic 1278 as our official radio supporters.

The Herald Sun newspaper dedicates substantial editorial space to promote the Good Friday appeal and the work of the Royal Children’s Hospital each year. The telethon is the opportunity for viewers to witness the miracles performed at the Hospital, to phone through their donations, and in many instances hear their contribution acknowledged publicly.

The Good Friday Appeal is known for the fun, enthusiasm and ingenuity of those involved. Supporters 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.

The Appeal is a non-political, non- denominational organisation that exists solely to financially support the Royal Children’s’ Hospital Melbourne

FAQ's

Where do I send my donation?

Cheque or Money Order: Good Friday Appeal POBox 14744 Melbourne Vic 8001.
Credit Card: phone 03 9292 1166
In person: Good Friday Appeal Office, IBM Tower Level 2, 60 City Road, Southbank, or at any Victorian branch of the National Australia Bank.

How much of the money pledged on Good Friday do you actually get?

99% of people honour their pledges.
Donations are also received from those who have not registered their contribution on the day, ensuring that every year we are able to give the Royal Children's Hospital the TOTAL amount of money pledged.
A record $11,788,970.87 was raised in 2007.

Will I get a tax deductible receipt?

Receipts and thank you letters are issued to all donors who provide their name and address.

How do I become involved?

There are many ways to become involved - conducting a fund-raising event in your own community or volunteering your time. Phone our office on 03 9292 1166 for further details.

How is the money spent?

The Royal Children's Hospital uses all the funds to buy medical equipment and to fund research projects. Good Friday Appeal funds are not used for the general administration of the hospital. The Royal Children's Hospital will replace and upgrade ventilators in the paediatric intensive care unit with funds from the 2006 Appeal.

How many people are employed to conduct the Good Friday Appeal?

There are four full-time staff: the Executive Director, Deputy Director, Administrator and Service Officer. At busy times throughout the year, up to four casual staff may be employed.

Who employs the staff?

All staff are employed by The Herald and Weekly Times, the company that established the appeal, in 1931. The HWT publishes the Herald Sun, Australia's biggest-selling daily newspaper.

What does it cost to conduct the appeal?

Costs are contained at under 10 cents in the dollar raised.

How long has the Good Friday Appeal been running?

It started in 1931 and has contributed more than $170 million to the Royal Children's Hospital.

We know you are busy around Good Friday, however, what do you do for the rest of the year?
The Good Friday Appeal is a year-long activity. Immediately after the day itself, the time is occupied by collecting all the pledged funds, issuing receipts and acknowledging donors – and preparing for next year's Appeal.

All administrative details, such as council, police and VicRoads collection permits are also organised through the year.

Good Friday Appeal Area Managers, hotels, auxiliaries and fundraising groups start making money for the following Appeal straight after Easter!

http://www.goodfridayappeal.com.au