GRV's Good Friday Appeal Smashes Lofty Target

THE Victorian greyhound industry has already eclipsed its $50,000 fundraising target for the Royal Children's Hospital's Good Friday Appeal ahead of a bumper day of racing action.

Good Friday racing heads to Traralgon, Geelong and Horsham where family activities and fundraisers will be staged at the meetings, helping further boost what's ultimately provided to the Royal Children's Hospital.

Throughout March, the Victorian greyhound industry has been donating $300 each time the blue rug wins on a Victorian racetrack.

That commitment, split between Greyhound Racing Victoria, Sportsbet and the 13 clubs, will be doubled to $600 every time a winner scores from box four on Good Friday. 

FIELDS AND FORM GOOD FRIDAY RACING

As of Wednesday, 124 blue dogs had prevailed on Victorian racetracks in March, equating to $37,200 in pledges. 

Paired with an $11,000 initial donation from GRV and Sportsbet which kickstarted the month-long campaign, and  donations from individuals within the sport, more than $50,000 has been raised ahead of the Good Friday festivities.

GRV chair Peita Duncan, who will present a cheque for $50,000+ during Channel Seven's Telethon on Good Friday, said the cause meant a lot to  the industry. 

"To smash our fundraising target of $50,000 on the eve of Good Friday is a credit to all in the Victorian greyhound racing industry for getting behind  this important cause, in particular our 13 clubs and major partner Sportsbet," Duncan said. 

"No one in the greyhound racing industry is immune to the fact  that sometimes their kids need care at the Royal Children's Hospital so we're  extremely passionate about raising much-needed funds for the Good Friday Appeal.

TO DONATE TO THE APPEAL CLICK HERE

"We'll all be cheering the blue dog on Good Friday across our three race  meetings at Traralgon, Geelong and Horsham, which will see $600 added  to the tally each time the No.4 wins, and our campaign will continue  through to the end of March. 

"If you're looking for something to do on Good Friday, we'd encourage  you to get out to Traralgon, Geelong or Horsham and get involved in the  fundraising activities on course, or to The Meadows on Easter Saturday or to Sandown on Easter Sunday." 

With more than $50,000 raised this year, the Victorian greyhound racing  industry has raised over $250,000 for the Royal Children's Hospital's  Good Friday Appeal since 2022. 

Good Friday race meetings 

Traralgon 

– First race at 2.56pm, last race at 6.52pm 

– Food vans, face painting, pony rides, fire trucks 

– Marsupial petting zoo and show 

– Balloon twisting and magic show 

– First 100 kids receive free easter egg 

– 7 x Easter hampers up for raffle with proceeds going to Good Friday  Appeal 

Geelong 

– First race at 4.55pm, last race at 8.55pm 

– Gates open 4pm with a gold coin donation on entry 

– Easter egg hunt for the kids 

– Sit down meals available 

Horsham 

– First race at 1.20pm, last race at 4.27pm 

– Free entry with donation point in dining room 

– Club to match patron donations dollar for dollar