Perth Lions Club Aims for World Record with 102-Hour Bunnings Sausage Sizzle
In a quintessentially Australian effort, a major fundraiser in Perth's northern suburbs is set to break a world record this weekend. The Whitford branch of the Lions Club has partnered with Bunnings Joondalup to host a 102-hour continuous sausage sizzle, running from Thursday to Monday, in what is believed to be Australia's longest such event.
Fundraiser Supports Mental Health Initiative
All proceeds from this marathon BBQ will go towards the Lions Club's Beacon of Light, an early intervention program focused on providing timely mental health support to West Australians. The fundraiser aims to help launch their new Mind Health Van, a mobile service that will travel into the Perth community to offer crucial assistance.
Derek Best, co-founder of Beacon of Light, shared his personal motivation, having lost three friends to suicide. He explained that the idea for the Mind Health Van emerged after confronting statistics about mental health in WA. "A 10-minute conversation could change the path of someone's life," Mr Best said. "With the support of community groups and volunteers like therapists and counsellors, we target hotspots to help people navigate their challenges."
Non-Stop Sizzle with Community Events
Sausages will be cooking on the grill throughout the long weekend, with cold drinks available to combat the summer heat. Volunteers will update a live progress countdown and a visual fundraising gauge, showing the community's progress toward the $20,000 goal. The fun extends beyond daytime hours, with a "Snag and Collect" drive-through service operating from 9pm to 6am while Bunnings is closed.
Early risers can enjoy a sausage sizzle with a free coffee from the store's cafe between 4am and 6am. The event also features nightly activities, including a Friday night car meet-up and family entertainment. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch will officially open the fundraiser at 10am on Thursday.
Community Spirit in Action
Hayley Coulson, Bunnings' General Manager of Store Operations, expressed excitement about the Joondalup location's role. "Our sausage sizzles have always been about bringing people together," she said. "This 102-hour effort shows how powerful that community spirit can be in saving lives." The sizzle will conclude at 4pm on Monday, but those unable to attend can support the cause by purchasing a virtual sausage online.
