Torquay Lions Club has signed up to a ‘virtual’ Good Friday Appeal tin rattle as COVID-19 prevents thousands of volunteers hitting the streets statewide.
In previous years, club president John Bell has been among the volunteers shaking tins at traffic lights, pubs, clubs and events for the annual appeal.
“We have watched on TV each and every year as people opened their hearts and their wallets to support The Royal Children’s Hospital,” he said.
“This year things are very different.”
The club and other groups across Geelong and the Surf Coast have signed up to the online charity drive, complete with a tin that rattles and shakes when clicked.
“We have a virtual tin for people to donate, continuing the shake this year, albeit donating from home or wherever they are during this time of self-isolation,” John said.
“We do not expect to raise the same amounts as we would with street collections and real tin rattles, but with everyone’s help, we hope Torquay will end up with a worthy total.”
The online tin rattle comes as authorities ban the real-life version for public safety amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Torquay Lions member Peter McMahon has put his hand up to help anyone having difficulty donating through the virtual tin rattle.
“There should not be any problems,” the club’s appeal co-ordinator said.
“It worked well when we did our first donations, so we expect good results.”
To donate visit: fundraising.virtualtinshake.com/lions-club-of-torquay.
To contact Peter McMahon phone 0411 112 047 or email ben.bon1@bigpond.com.
To search other local groups visit: www.virtualtinshake.com.
