“It’s 38 degrees, why would anyone want to buy a sausage?”
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Emily Christensen, cousin of the late Angie Edwards, questioned while watching the crowd build near the barbecue at Northway Shopping Centre on Saturday.
But it seemed hundreds did just that – all to show their support for the Ballarat family.
A total of $6320 was raised from the barbecue alone, which will be donated to Angie’s husband Brett and their four children.
Mrs Edwards died last Thursday after battling a rare and inoperable form of cervical cancer.
Angie’s cousin Annie Tovey said the family now had their sights set on raising $10,000 for the family.
“We hoped when we did this that we would raise $1000,” Mrs Tovey said.
“But by the time we have done our bake sale, hopefully we can raise a total of $10,000.”
Around midday on Saturday, the family had already raised $1000 from the barbecue.
Ms Christensen, along with cousin Mrs Tovey and her husband Nate, publicised the fundraiser via social media earlier in the week.
“It was a huge success, we had 300 people confirm they were going before (Saturday),” Mrs Tovey said.
Ms Christensen said she was amazed “complete strangers” had made the effort to visit and make a donation.
“An old lady passed me an envelope and it had a couple of hundred dollar notes inside. She didn’t even buy anything,” she said.
While the smell of sausages attracted shoppers, children were treated to face painting and a last-minute
performance by Australia’s Got Talent star Chooka Parker.
“We want to thank the entire community and complete strangers for their donations on the day,” Ms Christensen said.
“We didn’t really know what to expect, but the help from people has been amazing.”