The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Victoria enters the final days of its Top Pubs Challenge, which, at last count, had already raised $37,914 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Beginning in January, the Top Pubs Challenge encourages member pubs to raise money for charity, engaging in friendly competition to be recognised as one of Victoria’s most generous pubs. The challenge ends on Sunday, so Victorian pubs have stepped up their enthusiasm and creativity to raise as much money for the appeal as they can.
Participating pubs have engaged in a range of fundraising initiatives throughout the past three months, including setting up online fundraising pages, running raffles, and hosting events such as trivia nights. AHA (Vic) has also contributed $10,000 to the Good Friday Appeal.
Rebecca Cowan, executive director, Good Friday Appeal, is pleased to partner with AHA Vic for this year’s challenge.
“The local pub is often at the heart of its community, and community is at the heart of the Good Friday Appeal. We are very pleased to welcome AHA (Vic) and its members to continue a long tradition of fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal with the Top Pubs Challenge 2024,” she said.
AHA (Vic) has congratulated several pubs on their fundraising initiatives thus far.
Wangaratta’s Old Town ‘N’ Country Tavern is encouraging patrons to donate through social club draws, a donation button at the point of sale, and Easter egg raffles. At the Grand Hotel Warrandyte, a portion of the proceeds from the Friday Night Meat Tray and the Parma of The Month are being donated to the Good Friday Appeal.
The Robinhood Inn in Drouin West has donation containers on the bar and staff are contributing a percentage of their tips. Operator Lina Wright’s personal connection to the appeal has driven the pub’s enthusiastic fundraising efforts.
Today, Trinity St Kilda will be offering a Trinity Burger and pot combo for $25 and will donate all proceeds to the Good Friday Appeal. Similarly, Rosstown Hotel in Carnegie is offering a Chicken Parma and pot combo for $35, with children’s and seniors’ options available for $25, and proceeds going to the appeal.
Kimberley Malcolm, general manager at AHA (Vic), is proud of the fundraising efforts of AHA Vic members.
“Victorian pubs are proud of their engagement with their local communities and there is no bigger or more important cause in the community than the health of children. The Good Friday Appeal brings the community together, just like the pub so it’s a natural fit for our members to support the appeal,” she said.
Top Pubs Challenge winners will be celebrated at the AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence night in May. To find out how you can support the Good Friday appeal, visit htps://fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/event/aha-top-pubs-challenge/home.