Meet Alissa

When three year old Alissa, was just four months old she was diagnosed with high-risk, multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) - a rare condition affecting only around one child per million. Alissa celebrated many milestones across the halls of the RCH, including trying food for the first time and taking her first steps. 

Read Alissa's story here. 

Meet Oliver

 For almost seven-year-old Oliver, life at The Royal Children’s Hospital began before he was born. His parents Jacinta and Darcy received the news that their unborn child was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called Truncus Arteriosis. At just four weeks old, Oliver underwent open heart surgery and then again at two years old.  

Read Oliver's story here.

Key Messages: 

These messages are approved for use across all media:  

• 95 years strong, doing it for the kids. The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and the Good Friday Appeal are united by one mission: to help every child thrive.
  
• Every dollar makes a difference. Your support helps sick kids live their best possible lives.
  
• Small gifts. Big impact. From spare change to major fundraisers, every contribution helps deliver world-class care.
  
• The People’s Appeal. For decades, Victorians have rallied behind the Royal Children’s Hospital, a special place in the hearts of many.
• Making medical strides. Together, we’re funding world-leading research, faster diagnoses and less invasive treatments for kids who need it the most.
• The RCH vision is a world where all kids thrive - all children and young people should have the same opportunity to realise their potential.
  
• We know times are tough. That’s why every donation means even more. Your support - big or small - makes a lasting difference for sick kids and their families.
• In 2025, Victorians raised a record $23.8 million - with everyone giving what they can, we can make 2026 another year to make an impact where it matters most.
• 95 years strong. $492 million raised. For the love of our kids, we’re building a brighter future together.
• This year, $3M will be given to support Regional Victoria 
• The 2026 Good Friday Appeal will take place on Friday, April 3, with the official campaign launch on Thursday February 19, 2026.
• View the 2026 Campaign Launch media release 

Where the funds go:

Funds raised 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: 

The Good Friday Appeal is taking The Royal Children’s Hospital excellence into the regions to support regional paediatric health services across Barwon South West, Gippsland, Hume, Grampians and Loddon Mallee regions.

In 2026 - $3 Million will go towards regional health projects, so more kids can access quality care, closer to home

• To find out more about regional funding click here. 

• View the 2026 Regional funding media release 

Impact Projects 

How donations make a difference

 For a deeper look at how donations translate into real outcomes, media are encouraged to explore the Good Friday Appeal Impact Projects page. This resource provides a detailed overview of funded projects across equipment, research, patient care, and hospital programs, highlighting the tangible difference community support makes for children and families. It offers clear examples of how funds are invested and the long-term benefits delivered through the Royal Children’s Hospital. 

Visit the Impact projects page

New projects in 2026

Below are five of the newest Impact Projects funded through the Good Friday Appeal, highlighting the range of ways donations are helping children and families at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Read more about over 28 funded projects.

• GEMSTone Study

• RETCAM
• The Family Hub Indoor Play Space
• MRI-Compatible Neonatal Transport Ventilators 
• Hospital Wide Art Therapy Program 

Background

95 Years - For the love of our kids

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 $492 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 95 years.

In 2025, the Good Friday Appeal achieved a record-breaking amount, raising $23.8 million. 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 2025, regional Victoria raised an incredible $5.4million, contributing to the record-breaking amount raised for the RCH.

The 2026 Good Friday Appeal will take place on Friday, April 3, with the official campaign launch on February 19, 2026.