Community
10 April, 2025
Garvoc eyes a Good Friday
GARVOC’S iconic goods and services auction is set to return this weekend with more than 120 items set to go under the hammer for a good cause.
Garvoc is approaching the $300,000 mark for donations to the Royal Children’s Hospital since being officially registered in 2003, making the little community’s annual auction one of the biggest Good Friday Appeal fundraisers per population in the entire state.
Good Friday Garvoc area manager Cate Kelly said the Garvoc community had been among the most prolific fundraising sources for more than 20 years, and this year was shaping up to be no different.
“We’re all ready for an 11am kick off this Sunday, April 13, at the Garvoc Community Hub for a community barbecue to be followed by the auction starting at around 12.30pm,” she said.
“Tim Healey and Jack Kelly have again agreed to be our generous auctioneers, and will provide a lot of laughs and excitement.
“There are about 120 items listed so far, with donations from farming business around western district.
“We have things ranging from fodder to a day spa voucher for the women – there’s something for everyone.
“There’s plenty of produce made from local women around the area including pavlovas, cheesecake, yoyos and apple pies – all of it makes for lots of fun and bidding to make money for the kids.”
Mrs Kelly said it was a bit of a mystery why the Garvoc Good Friday Appeal was such a success.
Last year the little town, with a population just over 200, raised an astonishing $36,109 through last year’s appeal.
“Honestly, we’re not quite sure why it’s such a success – that’s the long and short answer,” Mrs Kelly said.
“It’s something that just works for our population.
“We source donations from popular businesses and people on the day love bidding up a bit more because they know all the money goes to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“Many families in the district, through generations, have been touched in some way by the Royal Children’s Hospital.”
Mrs Kelly said there was an invitation for all to come along on the day, whether they plan on bidding or not.
“People can come along for the day, you don’t have to bid if you don’t have the money,” she said.
“It’s fun – I think it’s an environment which is really good for people’s mental health and everyone is happier.
“There a little $2 raffle for Easter Eggs and a blanket for everyone to join, so come along for a fun, spirited day which supports a good cause.”
Anyone wanting to make a last-minute donation to the auction can do so at the Garvoc Community Hub, 4 Farrell Street, from 4pm on Saturday, April 12.
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