mmg.com.au

Barman Ryan Hainsworth is getting ugly for a very worthy cause.

With his employers at the Lemon Tree Cafe, Mr Hainsworth is raising money for the Leukeamia Foundation’s newest and quirkiest fundraiser, the UGLY Bartender of the Year. UGLY — which stands for Understanding, Generous, Likeable, You — raises money to support people in regional areas who have been diagnosed with blood cancer.

Mr Hainsworth said it was a fantastic cause to get behind.

‘‘We did it last year and we’re quite passionate about it,’’ Mr Hainsworth said. ‘‘And it came around this year and we just jumped on board again.’’

Leukeamia Foundation fundraising manager Meaghan Bush said the money raised would go towards ‘‘home away from home’’ accommodation for families that must relocate to receive treatment.

Ms Bush said the community fundraisers were vital to the foundation which did not receive any ongoing government funding.

Although it is a competition, Mr Hainsworth’s eyes are not set upon the UGLY Bartender of the Year crown.

‘‘We’re not treating it as a competition, we’re just passionate about it,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re being competitive as far as trying to get a lot of donations ... but all we’re doing is raising awareness ... and getting the message across to people.’’

In keeping with the cafe’s name, Mr Hainsworth has got a lemon involved in his fundraising efforts. The lemon sits in a bowl of water and customers are encouraged to try and balance a $1 coin on it.

If the coin falls in the water, the money goes to the foundation and if it stays on the lemon, the customer gets a free coffee. Mr Hainsworth said the fun activity had attracted a great amount of interest in the cause.

‘‘Since we’ve had the lemon in the water bowl, we’ve had nearly every customer go and do it,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ve already got a bit of support and its going until the ninth of November so we’ve got a bit of time yet.’’

●To make a donation, head to the Lemon Tree Cafe at 98 Fryers St, Shepparton. For more information visit www.uglybartender.org.au