Victorians dig deep for children's hospital appeal

Victorians are digging deep this Easter to raise money for the Royal Children's Hospital's Good Friday Appeal.

Tens of thousands of Victorians are rallying behind the cause, either rattling tins throughout the state or attending fundraising events.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced his government would donate $1 million to the appeal.

"Almost every Victorian has a special and deeply personal connection to the Royal Children's Hospital – it's an Easter tradition for Victorians to dig deep and donate so our beloved hospital can continue its incredible work," Mr Andrews said. 

The hospital is Victoria's major specialist paediatric hospital and the site of the nationally funded centres for cardiac and liver transplantation. 

It also cares for children from other states.

Appeal executive director Rebecca Cowan said every dollar amount donated to the appeal, no matter how big or small, was an important investment in ground-breaking projects at the hospital.

"It is incredibly heartwarming to see so many Victorians coming together and getting behind the appeal, all with the aim of raising funds for the kids so each child can have an equal opportunity at a healthy and happy future," she said.

"We know that it continues to be a challenging time but we send a heartfelt thank you to all Victorians for their support and donations this Good Friday."

Donations to the appeal go towards life-saving projects including cardiac care, and programs to support children's mental health and those with chronic illnesses.

Victorians have raised $421 million in support of the appeal to date.

Among those shaking donation tins and helping to fundraise on Friday were CFA members, with brigades throughout Victoria collecting money for the appeal and members stationed at key intersections in Melbourne.

CFA brigades have raised more than $36 million for the children's hospital since 1951.

Firefighters Anita and James Stirling, from Nathalia in Victoria's north, are helping lead the CFA's fundraising efforts motivated by her seven-year-old son Angus.

Angus was diagnosed with a liver condition and a respiratory condition as a baby that stopped him growing, but he now lives a fulfilled and healthy life thanks to staff at The Royal Children's Hospital.

"Once we connected with the gastroenterology and respiratory teams at (the hospital), Angus' development progressed in leaps and bounds," Ms Stirling said. 

Fundraising events for this year's appeal include the Kids Day Out at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where entry is free and some ticketed events start at $5.