Bartender braves jokes for a cause
Settlers Tavern bartender Dave Penrose is battling it out for the Leukaemia Foundation’s U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year for the second year in a row.
As part of the Understanding, Generous, Likeable You fundraiser, Mr Penrose will wear a T-shirt that reads “I’m U.G.L.Y. — I need help”, and collect donations from patrons at the Margaret River venue.
Mr Penrose said the event raised funds for regional people in WA dealing with blood cancer and was an important cause.
“Living in a regional area myself, it’s a cause close to home,” he said.
Mr Penrose said the challenges facing families dealing with blood cancer and living in regional Australia were immense.
He said he was keen to be involved again to help those who had to travel and faced extra costs because of where they lived.
“I understand it’s really difficult for families to get treatment,” he said.
Leukaemia Foundation of WA general manager Andrew York said more than 100 bartenders from WA had signed up for the cause and to host fundraising events, including esky races and sumo stomping.
He said being diagnosed with blood cancer was hard enough, but could be harder still for those living in regional and rural WA.
“In acute cases, treatment begins within 24 hours,” he said.
“It can mean leaving work, school and family behind to move to the city, immediately and indefinitely.”
The Leukaemia Foundation provides accommodation free of charge to families who need to relocate to Perth for blood cancer treatment for as long as they need it.
Every $80 raised by an U.G.L.Y. bartender gives a family a place to call home for a night.
Mr Penrose raised $800 for the cause last year and is aiming for $1000 this year.
“I’m sure we’d love to get over that. If we get a lot more than that, I’ll be very happy,” he said.
The fundraiser ends on November 17.
