Good Friday Appeal 2026: AFL umpires donate $20k as Border volunteers hit the streets
Good Friday Appeal 2026 saw AFL umpires donate $20, 000 and Border volunteers take to the streets on April 3 (ET) to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. The AFL Umpires Association delivered its largest single donation to date while regional firefighters and long-time volunteers collected early Friday morning. Both efforts are part of the appeal’s annual push to fund patient care, research and hospital equipment.
Major donations and local collections push totals
The AFL Umpires Association (AFLUA) contributed $20, 000 this year through the Jeff Crouch Foundation, marking its biggest yearly gift and bringing a near six-decade relationship with the appeal into sharp relief. The AFLUA has donated to the appeal since 1999, taking its accumulated contribution to almost $150, 000. This year’s $20, 000 figure surpasses the previous AFLUA record of $8, 800 set in 2023.
Funds for the AFLUA donation were raised at the association’s annual Charity Golf Day at Green Acres Golf Course. The event was delivered by McDonald Management & Events and supported by Melbourne City Toyota. The Jeff Crouch Foundation — established in 1995 in memory of former VFL/AFL field umpire Jeff Crouch — served as the vehicle for this year’s gift.
In the Border region, volunteers and firefighters were on the streets collecting on April 3 (ET), with donations flowing early Friday morning. Last year’s Border appeal raised $237, 525. Local fundraisers included a 24-hour exercise bike challenge mounted by Mardi and Mark Haydon after their son Henry spent Easter at the Royal Children’s Hospital following health complications.
Immediate reactions from organisers and volunteers
Rob Kerr, CEO of the AFL Umpires Association, said, “We are proud to contribute $20, 000 from the AFLUA, on behalf of AFL umpires, to the Good Friday Appeal this year – our largest donation to date. ” Kerr highlighted the long-standing link between the umpiring group and the appeal through Jeff Crouch’s legacy.
AFL field umpire Leigh Fisher said, “The AFL umpires, like many from Victoria and beyond, are in awe of the extraordinary work of the Royal Children’s Hospital, and we’re proud to contribute to a cause that is close to the heart of so many. ” Fisher added that he looked forward to officiating the Good Friday match between North Melbourne and Carlton.
On the ground in the Border region, Leearna Abbott of the Lavington RFS brigade said, “It’s fantastic. ” Volunteer Marg Tanner said, “I have grandchildren, that’s why I want to get involved. I’ve been doing it for nearly 20 years. People are friendly, they’re happy to donate. ” Their remarks underscored the personal reasons driving donor generosity in the region.
Background and what comes next
Jeff Crouch officiated 186 VFL games between 1963 and 1969, including five VFL Grand Finals, and served as director of the Good Friday Appeal from 1974 to 1994. The Jeff Crouch Foundation, created in 1995, channels the AFLUA’s contributions to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Organisers say funds raised will support the Royal Children’s Hospital’s work in patient care, research, vital equipment and staff training. As collections continue through the weekend and community fundraisers finish their events, attention will shift to final tallies and distribution plans for donations to deliver care for sick children. Good Friday Appeal 2026 remains active on the ground and in donor communities as totals are compiled.
