HORSHAM firefighter Stephen Carman knows firsthand the impacts the Good Friday Appeal has on children and families.
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Mr Carman spent time as a patient at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne during his younger years and has gone on to help collect donations with the Horsham Fire Brigade each year.
He became a member of the brigade at 11, looking up to his father Ray Carman, who is a life member at the Horsham Fire Brigade.
“I grew up around firefighting and I enjoy every minute of it. Seeing the relief on people’s faces when we turn up to a fire is for sure one of the greatest aspects of being a firefighter,” he said.
Mr Carman said he was passionate about raising money for the appeal.
“I was a patient down there myself when I was a kid and I have some friends who have had kids there as well. Giving to the appeal is a good opportunity to dig deep so that they can grow,” he said.
Mr Carman said it was incredible how much even the smallest amounts could help people.
“The more we can get the better. This is a chance to give back to the community in a good way,” he said.
Horsham firefighters and their families will walk the streets of Horsham and will call for donations at traffic lights and from fire trucks on Good Friday.
Mr Carman said the brigade hoped to beat their 2017 fundraising total – which reached $30,500.
Stawell Fire Brigade members will also be out in force, accepting donations along the streets of Stawell, Lake Fyans and Halls Gap. The brigade raised $31,000 in 2017.
Ararat’s Good Friday Appeal volunteers will host a concert at the Chalambar Golf Club on Thursday at 7.30pm.
Laharum Fire Brigade will collect donations at MacKenzie Falls on Friday.
Warracknabeal Fire Brigade will collect donations in Warracknabeal and Brim on Friday.
Brigade captain Cameron Whelan said members had already raised $1300 from a bake sale. The brigade has been selling raffle tickets, with three prizes available.
