Mel Hancock is again shaking the bucket to raise money for a good cause.
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The Lake Conjola Bowling Club bartender is hoping to raise $10,000 and be crowned one of the UGLYiest bartenders in the state.
The U.G.L.Y. (Understanding Generous Likeable You) Bartender campaign is the Leukaemia Foundation’s hospitality industry annual fundraiser to help with the accommodation costs of people receiving treatment for blood cancer.
Since its inception in 2009, U.G.L.Y. Bartenders across Australia have raised more than $8 million or 100,000 nights accommodation for people in need.
Inspired by her longtime friend Shannon Burchmore’s son’s battle with leukaemia, Mel signed up for the fundraiser after Shannon was left with nowhere to stay while her son was receiving treatment in a Sydney hospital.
“I’ve just seen Shannon struggle,” Mel said.
“When it’s your kid one person always has to be at the hospital. They only have one income and having to pay for a hotel, well, they have enough to worry about.
“It’s been a rough road and if I can help other people in that situation then I will. They are my motivation to keep doing this.”
Shannon’s son 17-year-old Kiarn Roughley was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2013 and spent months receiving treatment at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
In 2016, Mel raised $8623, making her the sixth best fundraiser in the state out of 300 participants.
“People are so generous,” she said.
“I am going very well and have already raised about $6000. I have been shaking the bucket at the club every Friday night and went to the Milton Public School fete and Moruya Races.”
Mel will hold a Big Fete Day in the Lake Conjola Bowling Club car park on October 1 from 9.30am to noon.
On October 14, a music trivia night will be held at the club. Tickets can be purchased for $10 from the club, with all money going to the cause.
So far, people had been “very supportive”, Mel said.
“I have pensioners who come to the club every Friday night and put $5 in each week,” she said.
“I will be fundraising until November 14. Everyone says I am definitely not ugly but the support has been amazing.
“I just need to keep up the donations to help me reach my goal of $10,000.”
To donate, click here.