Bendigo tin rattlers out in force for Good Friday Appeal 2019

Debbie Popple, her daughter Lani, and her sister Heather Thompson have been raising funds for the appeal for the past six years.

"We just want to raise money for a good cause," Ms Popple said. "We try to do it every year but it's a bit of a competition as well to see who can raise the most money.

"I'm winning at the moment but only by a few dollars. We've raised well over $3000 between the three of us in the past six years."

Since the Good Friday Appeal started in 1931, more than $345 million has been raised to support research, equipment, education, training and patient centred care programs at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.

Ms Popple's sister Heather Thompson said the family competition added some extra incentive to an already great cause.

Read more: Bendigo makes a difference at the Royal Children's Hospital with Good Friday Appeal 2019

"I've gotten about an hour start on her this morning so hopefully I win," Ms Thompson said. "But she said she's already got a few notes and notes are always helpful."

"The fair majority of people are generous but each year is different. This year, I'm noticing there are a lot of $5 notes coming out which is great.

"Last year there were a lot more coins - and silver coins rather than gold coins - so hopefully this year we raise some more money."

Wayne Plumridge was stationed at the Alexandra Fountain for this year's Good Friday Appeal. He has been rattling tins for the Royal Children's Hospital for the past 30 years.

"We raise a fair bit of money and we're going well today," he said. "I've already got two tins full.

"The people dig in deep for the appeal. It's fantastic. It's for a good cause."

Mitchell Landry, who was also collecting near the Alexandra Fountain, said his focus was on repaying the hospital for the support they gave him as a child.

"I was in the Royal Children's Hospital when I was eight weeks old on Christmas Day," he said."So I just give back every year. This is my third year doing it."

It was Cherie Hammer's first year volunteering as a tin rattler for the appeal. She said she would be back again next year.

"I just decided that I should dedicate some time to the Royal Children's since my family's been through a little bit themselves," she said.

"It's just about giving back. I think everyone needs to do something and this is my way of helping."

Heather Thompson said it was "extremely easy" to get involved in the appeal in Bendigo.

"They make you feel very welcome when you sign up and it's pretty much self explanatory," she said. "If you don't want to walk between the cars, you don't have to.

"You can just stand near the edge but most people are willing to give a little bit. It's very easy."

Debbie Popple urged people to dig deep for the Royal Children's Hospital.

"Just donate because you never know when you might have a family member of a loved one who might need their help," she said.

"They're there to support you and they do a really great job."

You can donate to the Good Friday Appeal at collection points around the city or at donation.goodfridayappeal.com.au

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