When I was a kid, Good Friday was all about the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Mum would let us call in our donation in the morning then we would sit glued to the television all day waiting for our name to be read out. I was in the Royal Childrens Hospital as a baby, and though I don’t remember the experience I’m sure I wouldn’t be here today without them.

One year we rattled tins, I think I was about ten, and my brothers and I went door to door in our neighbourhood under the watchful eye of Mum and Dad on the footpath. This was just the start of my involvement in the Good Friday Appeal and three years ago was my first as a volunteer in the phone room. I loved every minute of it and never hesitate when they send me the letter asking if I would be interested in participating again.

I work the 6pm til midnight shift and can easily admit to being a GFA lifer. They say you will do it once and be addicted to the thrill of the event and I can definately confirm this. Plus you get the added bonus of doing something good for the kids. When the telecast begins at 7.30pm (for the evening session) the phones go crazy and it is hours before you can take another deep breath. Calls from children donating their pocket money, businesses donating thousands and individuals doing their bit – every cent counts towards the record breaking grand total for the kids. This Good Friday my single biggest donation was from clothing boutique, Green with Envy, located on Flinders Lane.

Besides the thrill of helping such a good cause, there is the added bonus of meeting local celebs and getting happy snaps, and making new frends. The list of participating celebs this year was as long as both my arms but my photos with Hugh Sheridan (who is just gorgeous!) and FiFi Box (who was dressed in a fabulous leopard print frock) were faves.

The appeal is a worthy cause, this year raising $14.4million for the kids. All Victorians should get involved, whether it be donating, volunteering or collecting – visit www.goodfridayappeal.com.au to register to volunteer and help make 2011 even bigger!

Visit my facebook page www.facebook.com/sarahsstyleemporium to view all the photos from the appeal.