Store’s power Launch

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
A LAUNCHING Place store has been overwhelmed with the community support for their Good Friday fund-raiser.
They raised almost $9000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
The family-run Launch Hardware has been busy collecting car batteries for the last 12 months in the hope of raising money for the appeal.
But the goodwill of customers saw the store double their estimated fundraising goal, with more than 1500 batteries collected.
John Knoops senior said he appreciated all of the Yarra Valley people who had supported the car battery appeal.
“Many people were touched by the children’s hospital and felt it was something they could do,” he said.
“We have done a battery appeal before locally, but the hospital seems to be what everyone has been touched by and really touches everyone.”
His son Mark Knoops said they had collected everything from solar, truck, car and lawnmower batteries in all shapes and sizes.
“We went through five truckloads and the price depends on the weight,” he said.
“You don’t get anything if you take the batteries to the tip, but you can bring them here and do a good deed.”
Woori Yallock Community Bank helped Launch Hardware with their fund-raising banking, but manager Rick Tolsher said they would like to see how they could support the family further.
“We’ve already got nearly a full palette for next year,” John senior said.