Unley Rotary has secured a regular fundraising opportunity at Bunnings' Mile End store.
Bunnings Stores are an Aussie national icon known for their easily identifiable green ‘big box’ buildings, decorated with a smattering of red, the variety of stock carried for tradesmen, home renovators and do it yourself people; also gardening stock, outdoor furniture and outdoor ornaments. The assistants are identified via their red aprons.
Over the years, the majority of Bunnings stores have encouraged numerous fund raising groups and service clubs to provide ‘sausage sizzles’ each day. The stores each provide a collapsible and covered BBQ complete with sink, preparation area and serving counter. No charge is made for these facilities. The BBQ’s are located adjacent to the main entrance to the stores. The aroma of sausages sizzling on the barbie can be smelt long before arrival at the entrance. Daily proceeds from sales are retained by the group providing the sausage sizzle.
Each group provides the tools of trade for the sausage sizzle along with the consumables and manpower. Each group is usually allocated one day per month. Inclement weather is not a deterrent because tradesmen and enthusiastic do it yourself folks still need to shop for their projects. People manning the barbeque area are protected due to the shelter and so the show goes on regardless of whether it is rain, hail, or shine.
In January 2013 the club was successful in securing the fourth Monday of each month. The first few months were a case of trial and error regarding stocks to be purchased but we have overcome that. We are fortunate in that we can store basic staples at the rear of our Thrift Shop.
The day begins around 8am. Usually, two or three Rotarians who are not necessarily able to stay for a full shift attend before work to help erect the covered BBQ and do the basic setting up. Setting up consists of preparing the BBQ plate, setting out the sales area with condiments and metal containers for completed orders. Cans of drinks and bottles of water are placed into large plastic containers together with plenty of ice. A couple of large refuse bags are placed in position.
There are four Rotarians on each of the morning and afternoon shifts; one cooks, one prepares bread, serviettes and peels onions, one takes orders and monies and one transfers finalized orders to the serving counter. Obviously there is changing of jobs as Rotarians take their well-earned breaks. As per food handling legislation, all food handlers wear disposable gloves which are frequently changed.
It is all go from setting up, to closing down. For many tradespeople and shoppers they are purchasing their breakfast, brunch or lunch. Costs are $2:50 for a round of bread containing a sausage with/without onions and sauce/mustard. Drinks are $1.50. At around 4pm sales are complete, then everything has to be packed away, all surfaces cleaned, rubbish bags removed, ground surfaces brushed and washed and everything left pristine and ready for checking. A Bunnings employee checks everything at the start and finish of the day and records what amount of profit we consider we have made. Bunnings have enabled thousands of dollars to be raised for clubs and charities.
Mondays that are Public Holidays are busier; our club's first sausage sizzle was on a public holiday, a very hot January day when we raised just over $2,000 and we were ecstatic. Since then, other Mondays are averaging around $800 to $900. Obviously the club’s fundraising account is increasing considerably.
This fundraising project at Bunnings would not be possible without the commitment of Rotarians to the behind the scenes work as well manning the morning and afternoon teams. There are numerous purchases to be made and deliveries and removals from Bunnings before and after each event. There are the Rotarians who arrive early to set up for the day. Initially we needed the assistance a Rotarian involved with erecting the BBQ to assist with dismantling. However, most Rotarians assisting at sausage sizzles are now able to perform this task.
The Bunnings project has been of considerable benefit to our club. It has enabled us to raise an amount of money that is additional to other sources of income. The Thrift Shop has always been our major income source. Alternatives have been sought due to the slump in retail areas and expensive rentals in major thoroughfares.
Finally, the Bunnings project enables Rotary to be seen within the community, for Rotarians to chat with the public and promote what Rotary does, canvass for new members, hand out Rotary pamphlets and the ‘Community Link’ newsletter that showcases the Rotary Clubs of Unley, Mitcham, Hyde Park, Brownhill Creek and Eastwood. Our Rotarians wear colourful aprons displaying the Rotary wheel and Rotary Club of Unley logo.
Anyone accessing our website, please be assured that the Rotary Club of Unley is able to assist with your BBQ needs. To contact the club Secretary about this project, send us an email.
Mavis Martin, Secretary, Rotary Club of Unley, District 9520
