THE Easter Bunny has been forced to cancel Good Friday fundraising plans in Ararat as tight social isolation restrictions continue to be enforced.
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Every year community organisation Santa's Place joins forces with the Ararat Fire Brigade, State Emergency Service and other local groups to fundraise for the Good Friday Appeal.
The Easter Bunny also makes an appearance on Barkly Street near the Bendigo Bank to hand out Easter eggs and draw a raffle on April 9, the day before Good Friday.
But Santa's Place organiser Carl Forshaw said this year drawing the raffle will be postponed until restrictions are lifted. Winners will be contacted by phone.
"We've sold quite few tickets but because most of the shops (with collection tins) are just about closed we can't be up there (collecting)," he said.
On Good Friday itself volunteers normally go door to door to collect donations as well. This has also been cancelled.
Good Friday Appeal Ararat organiser Greg Taylor said the effort normally attracts up to 100 volunteers and cancellations across the state could hit the Royal Children's Hospital hard.
"I know we're in hard times but keep in mind the fantastic work they do at the hospital and this virus will greatly affect fundraising this year," he said.
"The hospital still has to continue working and this will impact what they can do over the next 12 months for the children."
Mr Taylor urged anyone who normally donates to the appeal to donate online instead. Donations can be made here.
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