Tens of thousands of West Australians joined a statewide Bunnings BBQ for Telethon on Saturday, swapping their usual weekend plans for sausages, family entertainment and fundraising for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
Bunnings Joondalup was among 38 stores across Western Australia to host a sausage sizzle, with hot dogs sold for $3.50 and drinks for $2. All proceeds, alongside donations made throughout the day, will support Channel 7’s 59th Telethon.
The Joondalup car park was transformed into a family event featuring a petting zoo, face painting, lucky dips, lion dancers, fire trucks and axe throwing. Doug, a dog from PetO Joondalup, also joined the effort by helping serve sausages and collect donations.
The fundraiser ran from 8am to 4pm ahead of the 26-hour live Telethon broadcast, which begins at 7pm on Channel 7 and 7plus. The money raised will help fund medical research, equipment and services for children across Western Australia.
Last year’s Bunnings BBQ raised $102,000, with organisers hoping this year’s event will set a new record when the total is revealed during Sunday’s broadcast.
Families rally behind Telethon at Bunnings Joondalup
Chloe Rogers, who grew up watching Telethon, brought her own children to the fundraiser and said the event had brought people of all ages together.
“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.”
Sarah Van Doorn said her children had particularly enjoyed the animals and the chance to explore a fire engine while waiting for a sausage.
“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 the event had brought together staff and customers to support children and families across the state.
“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 will take place from 10am to 4pm on Sunday October 18, with free entertainment, food trucks, family activities and further fundraising hot dogs.
