By Afraa Kori
Cardinia Life was buzzing with community spirit on April 16 as locals gathered in the foyer to support the annual Good Friday Appeal fundraiser in aid of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The event, which featured raffles, games, and plenty of laughter, saw generous contributions from attendees who brought gold coins and shared plates of delicious treats. Many arrived in festive spirit, donning bunny ears and embracing the cause with enthusiasm.
Volunteer and host, Irene Latherick, was thrilled with the turnout and the community’s willingness to dig deep for a worthy cause.
“It’s always heartwarming to see our community come together for the kids,“ she said.
“A lot of our grandkids were involved in helping make the easter hats and also that a lot of us were keen to get involved because our children or grandchildren have been treated at the hospital. So we’ve all had some sort of connection with the hospital, whether it be our own kids or our grandkids.”
They raised $461.35, which goes directly to the Royal Children’s Hospital to support life-saving care and research.
The fundraiser added to the ongoing efforts across Victoria as part of the statewide Good Friday Appeal, showcasing once again the power of local generosity.
For the ladies who regularly attend water aerobics and aqua classes at Cardinia Life, the event was not only a chance to support a great cause but also a meaningful way to strengthen social connections and foster a sense of belonging within the community.
“It just brings out the community side of Cardinia Life — making people feel welcome and involved,” Irene said.
“There are a lot of people like myself who are on our own, so we do it as a social thing too, just to help everyone feel engaged and like they’ve got something to be part of.”
