Return of an iconic Bunnings tradition
Bunnings has announced that its beloved sausage sizzle will be making a comeback to select stores across Melbourne next month after months of suspension due to COVID-19.
The fundraising initiative will return from December 5 which means the sausage sizzle will have started back up in all states and territories across Australia.
The hardware store was forced to put a pause on the community fundraiser in March when the pandemic had hit our shores, with the business opting to donate $500 gift cards to local organisations instead.
Bunnings Chief Operating Officer Deb Poole said the iconic fundraising favourite would return next month in a COVID-safe way.
"The sausage sizzles play such an important fundraising role for hundreds of community groups across Melbourne and we're especially pleased to be bringing them back to our Melbourne stores with COVID-safe measures to keep everyone safe," she said.
"We know our customers have missed supporting community groups through the sausage sizzles and our store teams can't wait to help restart this weekend tradition from December 5 in Melbourne.
"Everyone in Melbourne has done such an amazing job and we hope bringing back sausage sizzles will help return a sense of normality to people's lives.
"It's also a very special milestone for the Bunnings team in Melbourne who have really missed helping to put them on and completes the nationwide return of sausage sizzle."
Every year, over 40,000 sausage sizzles are run by local community groups.
The first ever sausage sizzle was run 26 years ago at Bunnings Sunshine in Melbourne’s west.
However, the return of the sizzle will look very different this time around - with community groups required to wear a face mask during shifts and social distance.
Safety measures including increased cleaning requirements and hygiene processes will also be put in place.
"While our community groups are taking a number of extra precautions, what hasn't changed is the great feeling of supporting a local community group and the unmistakable taste of an Aussie sausage sizzle," Ms Poole said.