SIRENS and horns gained plenty of attention on the Border yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Children flew out to the street in their pyjamas, begging for a ride in the fire truck as parents produced coins for the Good Friday Appeal.
The efforts of volunteers and the generosity of residents helped raise about $137,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Initial counts show Albury contributed $63,518 and Wodonga dug deep — coming up with just over $74,000.
This was through tin rattling alone, with further donations flowing in via the Good Friday Appeal phone service.
While the numbers were down on last year, Albury fire captain John Vandeven said the money tins filled quickly as firefighters offered to wash cars for a $50 donation and people emptied out jars full of coins for the very popular cause.
Mr Vandeven circled East Albury and found the youngest contributor, eight-month-old Henry Rowe.
His mother Kirsty Rowe lifted him up to greet Mr Vandeven.
Ms Rowe had spent the morning waiting to donate to the cause, which was close to her heart.
She stayed in the Royal Children’s Hospital for about a month when she was 12.
“I had major back surgery because I had scoliosis as a kid and had to get a rod in my back,” Ms Rowe said.
“The staff were amazing.”
Meanwhile it was just as busy on the Victorian side of the Border.
About 130 volunteers were rattling tins and by noon were concentrating on the heart of the city.
Wodonga fire brigade deputy group officer Alex Todd said there was a good vibe to the public holiday.
“People want to donate,” he said.