The Rotary Club of Emerald and District and Puffing Billy Railway helped run the Kids Fun Run with Thomas in November where people took 'Thomas' joy rides from Gembrook railway station as children ran alongside the train.

Kingston resident Patrick Tessier also helped arrange Bailey's Day, a golf event to raise funds for Monash Medical Centre.

Mr Tessier was the father of Bailey Tessier who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in February 2004, the month before his second birthday. He died five months later.

The $36,500 raised at both events will go towards the

Monash Children's Cancer Centre Classroom to Bedside program, which provides children and teenagers with laptops to keep them connected with their school and friends while they receive cancer treatment.

Rotary Club of Emerald and District president Ken Miller said the fund-raiser was a fulfilling event for everyone.

"We are very proud to be working together to put on this great event each year. It is not only a fun day out for the family but also raises money for a fantastic cause. It's been an absolute pleasure to work with the Southern Health Children's Cancer Centre over the years and I believe today's cheque brings the total amount raised for the centre to more than $200,000."

Southern Health chief executive Shelly Park said the Monash centre in Clayton cared for more than 30per cent of Victorian childhood cancer patients with about 42 children receiving specialised care daily.