Piggy Bank Appeal brings home the bacon
October 21, 2016
A huge $1,043,697 has been raised in the 2016 Piggy Bank Appeal to help more than 900 Victorian families caring for children with life-threatening conditions.
Five giant piggy banks travelled 7,238 kilometres across Victoria collecting donations for the charity Very Special Kids, with the support of 357 volunteers, 88 ALH Group venues, 277 Commonwealth Banks and numerous other businesses and organisations.
Very Special Kids CEO Michael Wasley says the funds raised will enable Very Special Kids to continue its important work.
“We are extremely grateful for the generous support of our corporate partners, our volunteers, and the Victorian community, for enabling us to care for more than 900 families across the state.
“While the future is uncertain for many of these families and their children, one thing they can rely on is that Very Special Kids will be there to offer respite and end-of-life care through the hospice and practical and emotional support through our Family Support Services and Family Service Volunteers, and all free-of-charge.
“It costs $7million per year to operate Very Special Kids. Thank you for helping us give these families that certainty,” said Michael.
On Thursday night a finale event for the 2016 Piggy Bank Appeal, recognised the businesses, community groups and individuals that worked tirelessly throughout the month of September to raise funds for Very Special Kids, including major partners Seven News Melbourne, Commonwealth Bank and ALH Group. Awards were presented to those who went the extra mile.
Piggy Bank Appeal Awards
ALH Group
- Highest Fundraiser for Category A: St Albans Hotel raised $5,629.30
- Recognition Award for Category A: Oakleigh Junction Hotel raised $4,524.45
- Highest Fundraiser for Category B: York on Lilydale raised $12,534.35
- Recognition Award for Category B: Gateway Hotel raised $11,428.90
- Highest Fundraiser for Category C: Blackburn Hotel raised $16,628.90
- Recognition Award for Category C: Seaford Hotel raised $12,463.65
Commonwealth Bank
- 1st Highest Fundraising Branch: Mornington raised $3,592.25
- 2nd Highest Fundraising Branch: Castlemaine raised $2,890.45
- 3rd Highest Fundraising Branch: Rosebud raised $2,776.20
- Branch Recognition Award: Eden Rise Village raised $1,174.50
Lotto Outlet Awards
- 1st Highest Fundraising Lotto: Inverloch Lotto raised $7,331.30
- 2nd Highest Fundraising Lotto: Clifton Hill Lotto raised $5,893.95
- 3rd Highest Fundraising Lotto: Heathcote Champions Super IGA raised $1,110.00
Community Supporter Awards
- 1st Highest Community Fundraiser: Pantry Brighton raised $37,221.70
- 2nd Highest Community Fundraiser: Westend Market Hotel raised $13,302.90
- 3rd Highest Community Fundraiser: Keilor East RSL raised $13,000
- Community Fundraiser Recognition Award: Frankston RSL raised $5,395.10
Volunteer Recognition Awards
- Rising Star Award: Lucy Nicholson
This recognition is deservedly being awarded to a young person who has contributed over 60 hours voluntary work during our Piggy Bank Appeal whilst studying at the same time. She never said no to any last minute gaps to fill when people had dropped out. She constantly helped willingly and always with a smile. During this time, she also assisted in the office with donor relations administration and data entry. We are thrilled to be able to recognise her contribution to the success of this year’s appeal.
- Volunteer Recognition Award: Efstra Dalaveris
This award was a difficult decision to make with so many worthy contenders but the decision was ultimately made to honour a volunteer who has been a constant and reliable support throughout the whole of September in many different capacities ranging from travelling around Victoria on a piggy trail, assisting with mail-outs, rattling tins at countless CBA and ALH venues and even cleaning our piggy bank merchandise. She has contributed over 105 volunteer hours in September alone and would have done more if we hadn’t have told her to take a break now and then!
