Grovers dig deep

CFA volunteers Martin Geerings, Noel Grant and Adam Wakeling. 167283

By Justin Flynn

Ocean Grovers dug deep for this year’s Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
The town raised a mammoth $33,455.42 for the annual appeal.
Alistair Drayton from Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal Ocean Grove said it was a huge effort.
“What an amazing day – a total of $33,455.42 was donated by the Ocean Grove community which is well and truly a remarkable, and something that the community should be proud of,” he said.
“There are many people to thank, and each event has had people tirelessly working towards the bottom line of raising as much as they could.
“My thanks go to all of those organisers who I know have spent many hours chasing down donations and auction items etc.
“But the biggest thank you of all goes to the Ocean Grove Community as a whole as it is each and every one of you that has made this all possible, by donating your time and money for better of others.”
The appeal raised $16.6 million nationwide for the hospital.
A quiet achiever contributing to the RCHGFA is the ‘Welbys’ which are located at the Woolworth/Safeway Supermarkets. These purple oblong looking money boxes that collect the loose change and donations at the checkouts all year round. Ocean Grove Woolworths collected $3209.55.
Collendina Caravan Park conducted its annual golf nearest-the-pin competition and auction which again year drew a large crowd. Park owners Bill and Joan Steins have been conducting the event for many years with it gaining such popularity that park residents are involved in the running of the event, which raised $8355.42.
Ocean Grove and Mannerim CFA spent Good Friday roaming the streets and raised $15,186.80.
Ocean Grove Bowling Club raised $4437.65, Little Birdie Cafe gathered $304 through raffles and mornings teas and Driftwood Cafe held a raffle which was by local Sue Cole and raised $194.
The Dunes Cafe also held a raffle, which was won by Lynne Burgess and raised $343.50.
Ocean Grove sisters Hayley, Mia and Ella Francis held an art exhibition raised $1425 (see the story on page 5).