The exciting new event supports both the Geelong Hospital and the vital services provided by Barwon Health.

Over fifty generous individuals and businesses volunteered their time to the appeal, manning stalls and collection points across Geelong. Barwon Health staff, members of Geelong’s Lions Clubs and Bayside Rotary, Bendigo Bank staff, Skilled staff and Ford Motor Company staff took to the streets to help raise money for the Geelong Hospital Appeal.

Tin shakes operated in three locations along Latrobe Terrace, while nine merchandise sites were set up in major shopping centres and strips across Geelong and surrounds.

Our volunteer tin shakers hard at work in Torquay

Bay FM also got into the fun by hosting a telethon, giving listeners the chance to call in and request their favourite song for a donation. The local station also auctioned a framed Geelong Cats jumper on Ebay via their website, with the lucky bidder paying over $1500 for the prize.

The signed Geelong Cats jumper auctioned off

Geelong Hospital Appeal mascot Dr Bear popped into the hospital's childrens ward to say hello the patients and hand out some goodies.

Dr Bear pops in for a visit to the childrens ward

The weekend’s efforts contributed to an overall tally of over $440,000 – a fantastic result for the first Geelong Hospital Appeal.

Funds raised will go toward various areas of need such as the Andrew Love Cancer Centre, the Grace McKellar Centre and the construction of the hospital’s new Emergency Department.

You can still get involved and help to raise money for the Geelong Hospital Appeal! Get your friends, workplace, school or community group together for a good cause! Find out more information here.