A Cranbourne business has raised over $10,000 for the Good Friday Appeal.
After being a supporter of Dandenong-based Rob’s British Butchers in Neil’s Cruise for the Kids in previous years, managing director Stephen Hofferts of Steve’s Car Alarms decided to have a go at it himself during the cruise on Friday 3 March.
Neil’s Cruise for the Kids began in 2018 and has become an annual tradition for 3AW radio presenter and journalist Neil Mitchell.
This year’s fundraiser supports electrosurgical units for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Each business which competed was ready to tackle the $5000 fundraising minimum.
Mr Hofferts has been a donor of the program “from the start”, donating $1000 to Rob’s British Butchers each year, but this year decided to get even more involved.
“I heard it on his program and decided to tackle the job myself,” he said.
“As of now we’ve raised over $10,000, double what we were going for.”
Steve’s Car Alarms placed 8th out of the 21 participants, beating leading names like the Herald Sun and Chemist Warehouse.
The team also beat their former donation recipient, with Rob’s British Butchers placing 11th.
Mr Hofferts attributes his success on the cruise to his contacts and the team’s fundraising initiatives.
“I’ve been in business for over 35 years now and have a large amount of contacts that would donate if they were asked,” he said.
“[We were] cold calling my friends and suppliers and asking for money, then coordinating [with] my daughter to send the links.
“I can’t wait to be a part of it next year with a new plan to raise even more.”
The $5000 minimum can seem a daunting amount for those wishing to participate in the cruise next year, but Mr Hofferts prefers to focus on the positives.
“Do it. It’s fun, exciting, and you’ll be doing a great thing. Jump on board.”
