Bomboras partners dig deep for bushfire crisis

BOMBORAS Torquay is hosting a fundraiser from its pop-up bar venue on January 19 in support of the communities affected by Australia’s ongoing bushfires.

Over the weekend, restaurant owners Tom McGrath and Josh Friend had discussions with staff across their three venues about how the business could offer aid in the crisis.

Mr McGrath said during a couple of quiet hours on Sunday morning, ideas were thrown around the table before a decision was made.

“We were thinking, ‘What can we do?’ as it’s not the most ideal time of year to be taking on something like this.

“But we were trying to come up with ideas around an event where we could create quite a lot of money rather than just donating a dollar from each cup of coffee sold.

“We figured we’ve got three venues in town, we can afford to sacrifice one for the day.”

And sacrifice they will. All profits from the day’s trade will be donated to bushfire relief, along with proceeds from a silent auction and raffle.

Mr McGrath said up to 30 local businesses had put their hand up to contribute, from photographers and artists parting with prints to tradesmen forgoing their time to complete maintenance jobs.

He also said businesses that can’t donate anything tangible can instead buy a keg of beer for $300, which will be sold on the day for $1,000.

“We think it’s a pretty good way to basically triple someone’s donation. We’re expecting to sell nearly 20 kegs.”

The next hurdle is accommodating the throng of people who are expected to turn up on the day.

With a bar capacity of 150 patrons, Mr McGrath said a donation box would be placed on the door in replacement of an entry fee.

“Unfortunately it will be first in, best dressed… there’s not much we can do about that. We are looking at ways to get more people in, but it’s too early to say at this stage.

“The auction items will sit out the front of the bar so people can have a look and put a bid in without sticking around.”

Comedian Evan Hocking is locked in to deliver the laughs, with live music also on the entertainment line-up.

Mr McGrath said he and Mr Friend hoped to rake in $20,000.

“Josh and I can’t sit here and say it’s all our idea. Our staff really got behind us and pushed us to do something as a business.

“The amount of support we’ve received, not only from the general public but other businesses and everyone who’s in a position to donate something, has been staggering.”

Raffle tickets are now on sale at the pop-up bar and restaurant. The fundraiser will run from 2-6pm at Bomboras Pop-up Bar (47 The Esplanade, Torquay) on January 19.