On March the 21st 2008, Steamrail Victoria will be, for the first time ever, participating in the Annual Royal Children's Hospital's Good Friday Appeal. D3 658 with some wooden and steel carriages will steam away from Steamrail's Newport depot and head to Melbourne's Southern Cross station. Arrival into Southern Cross will be around 10.00am. The train will be open for inspection through out the day with departure around the 4.00pm mark. All we ask is for a gold coin donation to look in and around the train. Remembering that all proceeds from the tin rattlers will go to the Royal Children's Hospital for all the sick kids.

Our sales and souvenirs will be open throughout the day along with a collection of photos on display about Steamrail’s tours, activities and volunteer work. Come down and say g'day to all the volunteers who give up their time to preserve Victoria's Railway History, and drop a few coins in their tins while your there.

Bring the family down and see a 105 year old Steam Locomotive in steam at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.

D3 658 on the Turntable at Geelong, June 2007. Les Coulton photo

If you would like to become a sponsor for this steam train on the 21st of March, please call the office on (03) 9397 1953 or drop us an email at info@steamrail.com.au If you do decide to become a sponsor, Steamrail will be able to advertise down the side of the train somewhere for you, as you have given to a great cause to help the kids of the Royal Children's Hospital. We can also advertise on the website through this page if you become a sponsor.

A bit about the Good Friday Appeal from the Good Friday Appeal website:

"The Good Friday Appeal is a unique fundraising activity that brings together people from all parts of the community in a very special way. The common goal is to raise money for The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, and to ensure that all children with life threatening illnesses receive the best possible medical and clinical care.

It all started in 1931 when groups of journalists from the Herald & Weekly Times organised a sporting carnival in aid of charity, the Children’s Hospital being a recipient of the funds. In 1942, Sir Keith Murdoch as Managing Director and Editor of 'The Herald' agreed that The Herald and radio station 3DB should broadcast an all day Appeal on Good Friday. In 1957, Channel 7 joined the Appeal and began the first daylong telethon, which is now held at Melbourne’s Telstra Dome.

The Good Friday Appeal is known for the fun, enthusiasm and ingenuity of those involved. Supporters can be seen conducting billycart races or ferret and yabby races, holding a gala ball in a grand hotel, running a golf day or shaking collection cans. The Appeal’s strength lies in the thousands of volunteers who give of their time, expertise and creativity to ensure that events are successful and the rewards are great.

The Appeal is a non-political, non- denominational organisation that exists solely to financially support the Royal Children’s’ Hospital Melbourne."

Good Friday Appeal Website