Good Friday Appeal
| Company type | Non-profit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fundraising, Charity |
| Founded | 1931 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Area served | Victoria, Australia |
| Products | Fundraising initiatives, Telethon |
The Good Friday Appeal is a yearly fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting the Royal Children's Hospital located in Melbourne, Australia. This event takes place annually on Good Friday.
In 2023, the appeal achieved an unprecedented milestone by raising $23 million, adding to a cumulative total exceeding $368 million since it began in 1931.
Fundraising efforts involve a wide range of participants including individuals, corporations, clubs, educational institutions, and communities throughout regional Victoria.
Functioning as a non-political and non-denominational organisation, the appeal’s sole purpose is to provide financial assistance to The Royal Children's Hospital.
Since 2014, the telethon has been held at the Plenary Hall of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), which accommodates 2,500 attendees. Revenue from ticket sales for the live audience directly supports fundraising. By 2016, evening concerts associated with the appeal became ticketed events available through Ticketek.
The advanced amenities at MCEC have allowed the appeal to broaden its scope of activities, including initiatives like the Kids Day Out program and hosting various community fundraising groups.
History
The appeal originated in 1931 when journalists from The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd organised a sports carnival aimed at raising funds for Melbourne hospitals. Initially, the proceeds were distributed among multiple hospitals; however, starting from the third year, all funds have been exclusively allocated to Melbourne’s Royal Children's Hospital. In 1942, Sir Keith Murdoch, then managing director and editor of The Herald, arranged for an all-day broadcast on Good Friday via The Herald newspaper and radio station 3DB. The Seven Network commenced participation in 1957 with a three-hour telethon that expanded into a full-day broadcast by 1960 and has continued annually since. During the 1960s to 1980s, regional television stations across Victoria also aired the telethon, with Prime Television becoming the exclusive regional broadcaster from 1992 following market aggregation.
Funds raised
| Year | Amount raised |
|---|---|
| 1931 | A£427 |
| 1932–1941 | $22,511.56 ^ (Total for this period) |
| 1942 | $16,620.20 ^ |
| 1943 | $25,308.17 ^ |
| 1944 | $37,061.70 ^ |
| 1945 | $56,128.45 ^ |
| 1946 | $82,716.56 ^ |
| 1947 | $62,823.16 ^ |
| 1948 | $84,747.53 ^ |
| 1949 | $115,382.42 ^ |
| 1950–1959 | Ranged from $138,066 to $348,259.89 ^ |
| 1960–1969 | Increased from $472,178.56 to $457,880.23 ^ |
| 1970–1979 | Grew steadily from $503,857.64 to $1,724,566.64 ^ |
| 1980–1989 | Rose from $1,819,662.10 to $4,070,206.89 ^ |
| 1990–1999 | Fluctuated between $4,424,257.53 and $6,425,729.76 ^ |
| 2000–2009 | Increased from $6,985,796 to $13,862,495 ^ |
| 2010–2019 | Grew from $14,462,000 to $18,175,467 ^ |
| 2020–2025 | Rose from $18,200,000 (2020) to a projected $23,822,792 (2025) |
^ Figures are expressed in Australian dollars (A$) post-1966; earlier amounts were recorded in Australian pound (A£).
Good Friday SuperClash
The Good Friday SuperClash is a yearly Australian Football League (AFL) fixture played on Good Friday, typically contested by the North Melbourne Football Club and the Carlton Football Club. Taking place at Docklands Stadium (also known as Marvel Stadium) in Melbourne, this event merges high-level football with a significant charitable cause, supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Fundraising efforts are spearheaded by the AFL, North Melbourne, Carlton, and their fanbases through various initiatives such as donation drives within the stadium, charity auctions, and community activities surrounding the game day. For every ticket purchased, $5 is contributed directly to the appeal. In addition, players, coaches, and match officials participate in community outreach including hospital visits and telethon appearances to encourage donations and public engagement. Programs like "Superheroes on the Field" allow young patients from the Royal Children’s Hospital to accompany players onto the field, representing strength and fostering a meaningful bond between the AFL community and those benefiting from the hospital’s care.
See also
- Royal Children's Hospital
- Herald Sun AFL premiers poster cartoonists (Proceeds benefiting the Good Friday Appeal)
- William Ellis Green (1954–2008; including editions from 1897–1953) – contributed over $2 million
- Mark Knight (2009–present)