General News
10 March, 2026
Cans for Kids campaign tops $2,000
ARARAT student William Fiscalini is once again on a mission for the Good Friday Appeal by collecting cans and bottles to raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital. After spending time at the hospital several years ago with kidney stones during his first year at school, William has made it his mission to give back to the team that helped save him.
“Without the Royal Children’s, he wouldn’t have a left kidney,” his father Luke Fiscalini said.
Now in its fourth year, “William’s Cans for Kids” fundraiser continues to grow.
Already this year he has surpassed his $2,000 target, processing around 20,000 cans so far.
“Last year’s target was $1,000, and we made about $1,700, which was a massive effort, and the target this year was a dollar more than that,” Luke said.
The massive effort last year was boosted by community members offering up cans and bottles to help William.
Luke hopes the community can again rally behind William this year.
“It’s pretty cool to think that he’s potentially raised $4,000 to $5,000 in three years just off what he’s been doing. His heart and dedication, we are in our fourth year and he’s still going. Not many kids would have stuck it out for four years.”
In addition to community support, three businesses have jumped on board in 2026 to support the cause.
Stacpoole Mechanical and Maryborough Golf Club have assisted with can and bottle collections, and Brand Em Outfitter in the Whitsundays, has helped William broaden his fundraising reach.
“Even this year he’s coming up with ideas. We’ve done T-shirts, bumper stickers, stubby holders, now we’re going into trucker caps, trying to expand,” Luke said.
This year William has also launched a sprint car-inspired “Good Friday Racing” shirt, including a kids’ version to further support the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“It’s something a bit different, a bit quirky and something that catches your eye,” Luke said.
Those wanting to support William can visit his Facebook page https://tinyurl.com/v5t3y9s6 for details about upcoming can drives and merchandise, including a collection day this Sunday, March 8.
People who want to donate can contact Luke Fiscalini on 0417 472 411.
Read More: Ararat