The rattles of real tins fell silent across the Wimmera in 2020, a necessity to control the spread of coronavirus.
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But as they did during the summer bushfires, residents opened their hearts and purses in tough times.
Using online channels, the region contributed more than $68,000 towards the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, of an overall total of $18.2 million.
In Telangatuk East, residents raised $13,360 through direct donations to the local appeal committee and a virtual tin rattle online.
In Warracknabeal, residents donated $5413 through the virtual tin shake. In Ararat, $5131 was raised via this method, in Horsham $4572, Rupanyup $3505, Stawell $2793, Kaniva $1841, Birchip $1499, Donald $1485, St Arnaud $1257, Murtoa $787, Beaufort $340, Harrow $535, Rainboow $668, Dimboola $684, Nhill $271, Jeparit $257, Marnoo $163, Willaura $119, Hopetoun $37.34 and Goroke $11.47.
The Mail-Times has contacted the Good Friday appeal for complete donation figures from each of the towns.
Good Friday Appeal Horsham area manager June Clissold said 2020 marked only the third time in 40 years she had not been able to participate in the appeal.
"Everything was ready but it was cancelled (due to the pandemic). Normally I spend all Friday collecting containers of money," she said.
"The Premier (Daniel Andrews) made an announcement the state government would make up the different between the money raised and last year's total, which is good.
"I am still knitting shawls and the like because I work for an auxiliary in Geelong. We were hoping to raise $100,000 for the appeal from selling out creations this year, but obviously we can't open the shop. When we reopen whatever we sell will go towards next year's donation."
Mrs Clissold said she had been knitting for the appeal for 55 years, after one of her daughters was admitted to the children's hospital with a "kidney problem".
Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
