Key Messages: 

These messages are approved for use across all media:  

• The RCH vision is a world where all kids thrive - all children and young people should have the same opportunity to realise their potential
• Every dollar counts - your support makes a big difference (give what you can)
• Your support creates enormous impact - by delivering high quality care to help kids live their best possible life
• For over 94 years, the work of the Good Friday Appeal enables the RCH to conduct research, buy state-of-the-art equipment and provide world class care
• The Royal Children’s Hospital holds a special place in the hearts of generations of Victorians
• The Good Friday Appeal unites the community - everyone has been impacted in some way
• We know it’s been a challenging time for families with cost-of-living pressures, any support is gratefully received - your impact will be felt far and wide
• Donations big and small contribute towards groundbreaking research, cutting-edge medical technology and training.
• We thank Victorians for opening up their hearts and wallets, every dollar raised makes a huge difference to helping sick children.
• Since 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has raised over $468 million for The Royal Children’s Hospital
• In 2024, the Good Friday Appeal achieved a record-breaking amount, raising $23,368,724 
• This milestone highlights the unwavering dedication of fundraising partners, volunteers and supporters
• This year, $3M will be given to support Regional Victoria 
• The 2025 Good Friday Appeal will take place on Friday, April 18, with the official campaign launch on March 4, 2025

Where the funds go:

Funds raised through the Good Friday Appeal are allocated to a range of critical needs at the RCH, including: 

• Medical Equipment: Purchasing cutting-edge technology that enables early diagnosis and better outcomes for young patients e.g. driving technological excellence: Mr PET technology is an advanced imaging tool for early disease management and detection.
• Research: Supporting groundbreaking research initiatives to tackle childhood illnesses and improve treatment options e.g. Gene Therapy, aiming to shorten time of evaluation in paediatric epilepsy services.
• Patient and Family Care: Funding programs that offer emotional and practical support for families during challenging times e.g. like Child Life Therapy which has reduced the incidence of general anaesthetic supported MRI’s to kids over 5 years of age.
• Education and Training: fund academic leadership, scholarships and education programs to attract and retain the brightest minds e.g. simulation based education programs to practice and learn important skills.

Regional funding: 

In 2024, regional Victoria raised an incredible $5.2million, contributing to a record-breaking $23,368,724.

The Good Friday Appeal is taking The Royal Children’s Hospital excellence into the regions to support regional paediatric health services – Barwon Health, Bendigo Health, Grampians Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Albury Wodonga Health and Latrobe Regional Health.

In 2025 - a $3 Million will go towards regional funding. This investment will provide a significant boost to regional health services, supporting critical projects such as upgrading lifesaving equipment, offering additional training, and providing scholarships for healthcare professionals.

To find out more about regional funding click here. 

Background

Helping sick kids and their families for 94 years

The Good Friday Appeal is a cherished Victorian tradition that unites individuals, families, businesses, and communities in support of The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne. The RCH vision is a world where all kids thrive - all children and young people should have the same opportunity to realise their potential.

Since its inception in 1931, the Appeal has raised over $468 million, helping the RCH deliver world-class care, groundbreaking research, and innovative programs to improve the lives of children and their families. Held annually on Good Friday, this iconic fundraiser is synonymous with generosity, hope, and community spirit, capturing the hearts of Australians for over 94 years.

In 2024, the Good Friday Appeal achieved a record-breaking amount, raising $23,368,724. This milestone
highlights the unwavering dedication of fundraising partners, volunteers and supporters.

Regional Victoria is the backbone - small towns and communities are the heart and soul of the Good Friday Appeal, raising crucial funds through volunteers and fundraisers. In 2024, regional Victoria raised an incredible $5.2million, contributing to the record-breaking amount raised for the RCH.

The 2025 Good Friday Appeal will take place on Friday, April 18, with the official campaign launch on March 4, 2025.