FOR Jess Patterson, volunteering with CFA and supporting the Good Friday Appeal has been part of her life for as long as she can remember.
Growing up in Baddaginnie, she and her family dedicated countless Good Fridays to rattling tins alongside their brigade members to raise vital funds for the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH).
Now, as a final-year radiography student, Jess credits those fund-raising experiences for shaping her career path.
Inspired by the impact of community fundraising and the compassionate care provided by the RCH, she is pursuing a future in paediatric radiology to make a direct difference in children’s healthcare.
Jess’s journey with CFA began in 2010 when her family moved to a hobby farm at Baddaginnie.
Latest Stories
Her father Geoff Patterson joined the Baddaginnie brigade and soon the entire family, including Jess, her mother Trish, and younger sister Nicole, became active volunteers.
“Living in rural Victoria, joining the CFA felt like a natural choice not just to protect our own property but to support our community,” Jess said.
“It also became a great way to connect with people in our small town.”
For Jess and Nicole, the Good Friday Appeal quickly became a family tradition of friendly competition.
Each year, they would pair up with a parent to see who could collect the most donations while walking door-to-door in Benalla.
“As kids, riding in the fire trucks, meeting generous locals, and watching our collection tins get so heavy we could barely carry them was incredible,” she said.
“It was a tangible reminder of how communities rally together to support those in need."
Jess then decided she wanted to contribute further as a healthcare professional helping children directly, and a childhood experience that required an X-ray cemented her passion for radiography.
“The radiographer was so kind and reassuring, and I realised how crucial it is to make children feel comfortable in medical settings,” Jess said.
“Throughout my clinical placements, I’ve focused on creating positive experiences for young patients.
"Seeing the work done at hospitals like RCH has only strengthened my determination to work in paediatric radiology.”
This year, CFA volunteers are aiming to surpass $40 million in total funds collected for the Good Friday Appeal over 74 years.
Jess and Nicole are proud to have played a small part in this achievement.
For more information on how to support the Good Friday Appeal, visit www.goodfridayappeal.com.au
