The iconic Strawberry Sundae return to the Ekka, funding medical discoveries with every scoop
Media Release
The iconic Ekka Strawberry Sundaes return to Brisbane for the Royal Queensland Show this August for the first time in two years as The Common Good (an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation) serves over 120,000 ice creams in their flagship event to support medical research.
From Wednesday, August 6 to Sunday, August 14, The Common Good will serve up the delicious and iconic treats from five Ekka Strawberry Sundae stalls in the RNA Showgrounds with all the profits supporting life-changing medical research into heart disease, lung disease, mental health and dementia.
Michael Hornby OAM, CEO of The Common Good, says the grand operation is a huge moment for the Brisbane community as they come together to enjoy a sweet treat whilst ensuring that important medical research can be backed to a completion.
“We are so excited at The Common Good for the Ekka Strawberry Sundaes return to Brisbane at the Royal Queensland Show this August. Every time one of these tasty ice creams are handed over the counter, it’s a special moment where our community is supporting brilliant and talented researchers who are making an incredible impact on the lives of the people we know and love,” Hornby said.
“The importance of medical innovation has never been more evident than during the past two years where despite the challenges of a pandemic, research of global significance continued unabated. Researchers from our community are responsible for record breaking heart transplants, world-first treatments for occupational lung disease, innovative solutions to mental health in intensive care units, the early detection of dementia and so much more. For each Ekka Strawberry Sundae sold, we’re able to back Brisbane researchers to continue this life-changing work.”
Throughout the Ekka, The Common Good will share a mountain of local produce with excited show-goers including over 6 tonnes of fresh Queensland strawberries, over 13 tonnes of exclusive Ekka strawberry ice cream produced by Brisbane ice cream institution Lick Ice Cream, over 325kg of cream and over 120,000 crispy cones.
During the nine day event, 2,000 volunteers from the Brisbane community will step forward with an extra dose of generosity to chop, scoop, top and serve the famous Ekka Strawberry Sundaes, along with corporate volunteers from Vicinity Centres, Suncorp, Australian Unity, AECOM, AVEA Software, Australian Retirement Trust, Auto & General Holdings and more.
One of those volunteers is Joanne Harding, National Business Manager at Sanofi, who knows first-hand the life-changing impacts of research supported by The Common Good.
“Three years ago my husband was the recipient of a life-saving heart transplant that would not have been possible if it weren’t for the incredible types of medical advancements being made by The Common Good and the researchers that they support,” Harding said.
“I am so grateful to The Common Good for their dedication to helping people live healthier for longer, and I’m so proud to be scooping Strawberry Sundaes this Ekka so I can do my part to help save lives. And for anyone out there looking to give back, it’s not too late to become a volunteer. Reach out and get involved!”
The Common Good is still calling out for volunteers who can spare five hours of time to scoop up a storm at their Ekka Strawberry Sundae stalls by signing up https://thecommongood.rosterfy.com.au/register.
To celebrate the role that these iconic ice creams have in continuing medical breakthroughs, show goers have the opportunity to get their hands on a limited edition tote-bag designed by local Brisbane artist Aidan Ryan.
Ekka Strawberry Sundae lovers will be able to scan a QR code at The Common Good Strawberry Sundae stalls to go in the draw to win 1 of 50 limited edition artist-designed tote bags.
The Common Good, (an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation) supports researchers making life-changing medical discoveries into the areas of heart disease, lung disease, mental health and dementia – conditions that affect over 90% of Australians. For more information visit www.thecommongood.org.au.
