Release date: 3/08/2010
Brisbane residents will wake up to the scent of freshly chopped Queensland strawberries this Thursday as Ekka 2010 kicks off.
Kate Ashton, CEO of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, said more than 1000 people have volunteered to help sell strawberry sundaes to raise money for medical research. “We have three stalls this year and we’ve been overwhelmed with people registering to volunteer. It’s really been fantastic,” Ms Ashton said. “The iconic strawberry sundaes are a popular Ekka treat even in the middle of winter and this week’s beautiful sunshine will make it perfect ice cream weather. “Although the second showbag pavilion stall is not operating this year while that area is redeveloped, we’re expecting that our three stalls will be kept busy selling extra ice creams. “We’re planning to make more than 150,000 ice creams this year. Ekka is our biggest fundraiser each year and we hope to raise $50,000 to continue finding cures and saving lives. “More than six tonnes of locally grown strawberries – equivalent to around 24,000 punnets – will be chopped up to make mouth-watering sundaes over the 10 days. “The combination of fresh strawberries, vanilla and strawberry ice cream, and whipped cream is definitely a taste sensation not to be missed,” said Ms Ashton. The Foundation’s mascot – big Charlie – has had a facelift in line with the Ekka’s exciting redevelopment. “The new Charlie has been travelling around Brisbane taking in the sights. Photos of her trip can be seen on the Foundation website www.findingcures.com.au along with information about the life saving research we support through our fundraising efforts. “Charlie will be visiting the Ekka regularly if people would like to have their photo with her. In fact, I think we will have a hard time keeping her away from all the action!” Download release pdf
Media contacts: Christine Atkinson, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation ph (07) 3139 6350