Robin Hood has a wild thyme

By Monique Ebrington
UPPER Yarra residents have already dug deep in the lead up to this year’s Good Friday Appeal.
Robin Hood, aka Warburton Chamber of Commerce secretary, Norm Orr and his band of merry volunteers were out collecting money on Sunday 21 March.
Mr Orr said the theme came from the aim to receive money from the rich in health, and give to the poor in health.
Collectors donned Robin Hood-themed fancy dress through the day and were stationed along the Warburton Trail, at the Launching Place lights and in the townships of Millgrove and Warburton.
Mr Orr said he was very pleased by how charitable residents were and the willingness of shopkeepers to display collection tins.
“The Warburton people and the many visitors were very generous,” Mr Orr said.
“Our tins are still in the shops in Warburton and Alan, from the Wild Thyme restaurant, came to get a replacement for a full tin. It’s going well.”
He said that he was also impressed by donations of $210 from Warburton Primary School and more than $100 from residents, before their actual collection day.
Mr Orr said that while they couldn’t count the final amount collected in the tins he is pleased with their fundraising effort and hoped that their novel method inspires other groups to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Woori Yallock residents Tim and Barb Sayer have also been doing their bit to raise money for the Good Friday Appeal.
It’s the third year that the couple have hosted a breakfast fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital and raised $2300 through their event.
Mrs Sayer said that more than 50 residents enjoyed a breakfast, raffle, trivia competition and auction on the day.
“We asked each guest to bring an item that they no longer used for the auction,” Mrs Sayer said. “It was the first year that we ran the auction and it was very successful. It was a great day and we raised $1800 from the auction alone.”
To donate online to the Good Friday Appeal, with funds going towards the Royal Children’s Hospital, please visit goodfridayappeal.com.au.