Sirens will sound in Albury-Wodonga streets next week as physical fundraising returns to the Good Friday Appeal.
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After a record-breaking appeal in 2019 pushed along by $94,284 collected in Albury and $88,689 in Wodonga, a virtual-only tin shake was held in 2020.
Despite community groups and emergency service personnel being unable to visit homes, Wodonga still raised $9111 and Albury $6641.
NSW Fire and Rescue Captain John Vandeven believed tallies would be up with the return of tin-shaking.
"It's amazing how many people save for this time of the year," he said.
"Kids come out with their savings and we've got one guy who brings out a coffee-jar-full of coins.
"Just at our station, we've got myself and other firies who have had their children at the Royal Children's Hospital."
Wodonga West is another fire brigade that has personal connections to the cause; Rhonda Vile's husband David is a member.
Their 18-month-old Lachie was born with clubfoot.
"He's a patient of the Royal Children's Hospital; he's been down for small surgery and goes back for physio(therapy)," Mrs Vile said.
"Other than last year, when all our appointments were Telehealth, every four to six months he's down there.
"They're the best at what they do.
"It's amazing how many kids do actually use the facility."
The CFA is celebrating its 70-year anniversary supporting the appeal, having raised $34 million since 1951.
Wodonga West 2nd Lieutenant Dave Rossiter said the Border had achieved around $200,000 each year between the various groups.
"We aim to beat each other in the donations, so it's going to be really good to get out there again and raise the money," he said.
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"The winners are the kids and the amazing people down there who give them the life they deserve."
Tins will also display QR codes to direct members of the public online.
