The team behind the Yarragon Good Friday Appeal is hoping to reach new heights this year and support even more sick kids.
Last year, the Yarragon and surrounding communities joined thousands of Victorians committed to raising funds for The Royal Children's Hospital's (RCH) annual fundraiser.
Yarragon placed 12th overall for regional funds raised for the 2022 appeal at $51,129.
Yarragon GFA area manager Lisa Harvey said this year organisers were hoping to raise more funds for sick kids than last time - but are aware that people are doing it tougher in 2023.
More community groups are involved this year, as well as the Baw Baw Runners Group, who will be again hosting its Good Friday Run from Rokeby to Neerim on April 7.
This is the fourth year the run has been held, and the first time it will have five different distances, including a 2km kids run. There will be children's activities and food and coffee vans on-site.
There will be a 28km run, an 18km run, a 10km run or walk, and a 6km run or walk along the Rokeby to Neerim Rail Trail. The 28km run is a new addition to the event, and organisers hope in coming years an ultramarathon will be feasible.
Registrations are $60 for the 28km, $50 for 18km, $40 for 10km, and $30 for 6km, with all proceeds going to the Yarragon Good Friday Appeal.
Run organiser Sally Theobald said about 160 people ran or walked in last year's event, and this year they are aiming for 200 participants. The first run will kick off at 8am.
More than $6000 was raised through the run in 2022.
This weekend the Yarragon Ale House will hold a three-day fundraising event for the Yarragon GFA.
On Friday there will be a trivia night and on Saturday a family fun day with a barbecue, a colouring competition and raffles.
On Sunday the Drouin, Warragul and District Apex Clubs will continue the barbecue and there will be live music with Mike Pullar and mystery acts throughout the afternoon.
Ms Harvey said a series of events and activities were planned for the Yarragon GFA in the lead-up to Good Friday, including an Easter egg hunt and monster raffle, however, the Easter egg hunt was already sold out.
Tonight at 9pm bidding will close for the appeal's online auction through Shout for Good. More than 40 auction prizes are up for grabs including a variety of hampers and vouchers from local businesses.
Ms Harvey said a number of raffle tickets for the popular monster raffle had already been purchased.
The raffle will be drawn at the Yarragon Hotel from 7pm on Good Friday. More than 30 prizes are on offer, including the major prize, which is $2000 of vouchers of the winner's choosing donated by Yarragon Lions Club and Lions on Mane Op Shop.
To find out more, bid on the auction, buy raffle tickets or register for the Good Friday Run visit the Yarragon Good Friday link tree: https://linktr.ee/yarragongfa?utm_source=linktree_profile_share