Tens-of-thousands of West Aussies traded their usual Saturday breakfast and lunch plans for an important weekend tradition as Bunnings store across the State fired up their barbecues to raise money for Channel 7’s 59th Telethon.
Under picture perfect spring skies, Bunnings Joondalup was among 38 stores across Western Australia hosting the state-wide sausage sizzle on Saturday, with snags, endless family entertainment and generous donations helping support sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
Part of the car park at Joondalup turned into a massive family-friendly fundraiser, with a petting zoo, face painting, lucky dips, lion dancers, fire trucks and even axe throwing drawing crowds and donation dollars throughout the day.
Even Doug the dog from PetO Joondalup arrived to lend a helping paw, serving up snags and taking donations from customers.
All proceeds from the sales of $3.50 hot dogs and $2 drinks, along with the many generous donations made at the Bunnings BBQ marquees through the day, go to Telethon to fund vital medical research, equipment and services for children across WA.
There was plenty of other ways for visitors to support the cause, including Bunnings-themed lucky dips for both children and adults courtesy of Joondalup Women’s Shed volunteers.
The fundraiser, which ran between 8am and 4pm on Saturday, is a popular part of Telethon’s annual weekend of giving and comes ahead of the 26-hour live television broadcast that commences at 7pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Last year’s Bunnings BBQ raised $102,000 and hopes are high for a new record this year when the fundraising total is revealed during the broadcast on Sunday.
For Chloe Rogers, buying a hot dog today was a chance to combine a loved and familiar Bunnings tradition with a cause close to the hearts of many West Australians.
“I’m seeing so many smiles, and people from all different ages,” she said.
“Everyone is coming together to support Telethon, and there are a lot of families down here, which is fantastic, and a lot of kid-orientated activities.
“It’s just a great atmosphere on a beautiful day.”
Ms Rogers grew up watching Telethon and was now bringing her own children along to support the charity.
“I think more and more it’s important that we continue to do that,” she said.
“We’ve given some money already and it’s a fantastic community event to support Telethon.”
Sarah Van Doorn loved the activities that were keeping her children well entertained.
“The kids are super happy, lots of animals, the fire engines — they got to go in the fire truck, which was really exciting, and now they’re waiting for a sausage,” she said.
A Bunnings spokesperson said they hoped the level of community support today West Australians would once again get behind the fundraiser and help build on last year’s record result.
“We’re proud to bring our WA team and customers together to support Telethon and help make a difference for children and families across the state,” the spokesperson said.
“Grabbing a Bunnings snag is a simple way to get behind a cause that means so much to our local communities.”
The Telethon Family Festival, presented by Coles, will return to the streets between 10am and 4pm on Sunday October 18 — offering free entertainment, food trucks, family activities and - more fundraising hot dogs.
Missed the chance at Bunnings but still want to support Telethon? Donations can also be made online.