The Good Friday Appeal found its beginnings in 1931 when the staff of The Sporting Globe newspaper organised a charity sports carnival. Held annually thereafter, the event format proved highly popular until attendance declined due to the outbreak of WWII in 1939. During the darkest years of the war, staff from TheSporting Globe,TheHerald and TheWeekly Times re-convened to discuss how they could continue to raise funds for The Children’s Hospital. Popular radio station 3DB offered use of their broadcast to assist the cause. On Good Friday in 1942, the first all-day radio appeal was held on 3DB. Popular entertainers and members of the public volunteered their time and the event raised over 8000 pounds, firmly establishing itself as an important fundraiser for the hospital.
Today, the Good Friday Appeal is by far the most widely supported and best recognised charity event associated with The Royal Children’s Hospital. The Good Friday Appeal online exhibition offers a few highlights from throughout the years and illustrates how the whole state of Victoria joins in to fundraise for a common cause.
The Good Friday Appeal draws support from a broad cross-section of the general public of Victoria, including children and schools. These children have gathered to broadcast their appeal over the airwaves.
Image credit: Laurie Richards Studio.
A cheque for the total amount raised is presented to the hospital. Former President of the Committee of Management Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and President Dame Patricia Mackinnon are alongside other important contributors to the appeal effort.
Image credit: Hugh Fisher.
Dame Elisabeth was involved with The Royal Children's Hospital from 1933. A passionate and dedicated advocate for the hospital, this image illustrates how she was deeply involved in all aspects of improving health care for children.
Image credit: Laurie Richards Studio.
Channel 7 became involved with the Good Friday Appeal in 1957 in order to supplement the radio broadcast. Seen behind the presenters is an illustration of the new hospital building which opened in Parkville in 1963.
Beginning with the Good Friday Appeal's early association with The Sporting Globe, sports and media personalities continued to be involved in the appeals. Here, sports commentator Ron Casey celebrates the funds raised with President of the Committee of Management Dame Patricia Mackinnon.
Entertainers show their passion and exuberance for the cause while on air at 3DB to raise funds for The Royal Children's Hospital during the Good Friday Appeal.
