In 2024, Victorian pubs demonstrated their unwavering commitment to community and charity, raising an impressive $270,606 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal (GFA). This remarkable achievement was driven by dedicated fundraising efforts across the state, including the AHA (Vic) ‘Top Pubs Challenge 2024,’ which witnessed venues host creative fundraising activations and community-based events to reach the fundraising goal.
Building on this success, AHA (Vic) is proud to introduce the Pubs with Purpose campaign for 2025. This initiative seeks to extend and amplify the 2024 efforts by engaging even more pubs across Victoria, strengthening the social license of the hospitality industry, and fostering a culture of giving back.
With over 1,500 pubs in Victoria and at least 156 actively fundraising last year, Pubs with Purpose aims to unify and encourage more venues to take part in this incredible cause. The campaign will provide a platform for every pub to participate through online fundraising registration, making it easier than ever to make a difference.
A Legacy of Giving
Pubs have long been at the heart of the Good Friday Appeal community. The tradition dates back to 1946 when the first collection container was placed on the counter of the George Hotel in South Melbourne. Soon after, the Tanti Hotel in Mornington followed suit, raising 28 pounds in their first collection. More than 70 years later, pubs continue to be a driving force behind donations, collections, and fundraising events for the RCH.
Through Pubs with Purpose, venues can now create an online fundraising page, allowing customers and community members to donate directly and track the collective impact of their contributions. This initiative celebrates the rich history of pub-led philanthropy and ensures that all funds raised are captured in one place, reinforcing the industry’s dedication to supporting sick children and their families.
Stories of Impact
The heart of the Pubs with Purpose campaign lies in the personal stories of those who have been touched by the Royal Children’s Hospital. One such story comes from Skye Dubignon, publican of the Welshpool Hotel Motel, who shares her deeply personal motivation for fundraising:
“My purpose is to be able to give back. We fundraise for The Royal Children’s Hospital because of their dedication to the children. I myself spent a stint of time in the Royal Children’s as a child, but unfortunately, we lost my gorgeous niece to brain cancer at the age of five. Montanah was one of twin sisters and left us earthbound five years ago already. My brother and his family spent so much time in the Royal Children’s Hospital and with Montanah being unwell, that I want to be able to help give back to the hospital and help others going through similar things.
Last year we held a silent auction that we raised over $2,500 from, we hold bar raffles weekly (between the football club doing them over their season) so all our money from the raffles goes to our fundraising. When we hold trivia nights and musical bingo, all proceeds go to our fundraisers.
This year, I have just released our first Welshpool Hotel advent calendar, ’25 Days of Gifting’ (I’ll attach the ad for it). I endeavour to make this a yearly tradition and, with such honour, our first calendar sold out in six hours. I have since sold another one and created a kids’ version. I’m so amazed by the support; all the proceeds go to our fundraising efforts. I also have another idea for a wall of wine, which I’m hoping to do over the next few months. I am still trying to source donations for this one. I’m always trying to think of fun and exciting ways to be able to raise money, include the community, and give back at the same time.
It means a lot. To me, personally, it makes me feel connected to my niece. I think it’s my way of trying to make something good out of a bad thing. I can only just hope that all the money we raise goes to help other families and lifesaving treatment to help other families going through the same or similar things.
The support—it’s amazing but sad how many people you encounter that have been through something similar or have been affected. I am extremely grateful for our small community and the amazing support they offer with my fundraising.”
How to Get Involved
Registration is open to all Victorian pubs, regardless of size or location. For example, in 2024, the Boorhaman Hotel, located in a community of just 126 residents, raised an astounding $41,568—that’s $329 per person! This incredible effort showcases the power of small towns and the big hearts that drive their generosity.
Every venue is encouraged to register online here, set up a dedicated fundraising page under their pub’s name, and invite patrons to contribute.