Elle and the Oriental Hotel team raised $17,089 to help the Leukaemia Foundation provide accommodation to regional Australians with blood cancer.

Elle and her colleagues Maddi Nicolls and Alex Huish had their heads shaved to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation. 

Their effort was inspired by Elle’s father, John, who is undergoing treatment for leukaemia.  

The availability of the Leukaemia Foundation’s accommodation made it possible for him to have his wife close by during treatment in Sydney. 

Elle said the Oriental Team would have been happy to raise $10,000 but thanks to the generosity of patrons,  the community and businesses, went well beyond their goal. 

“I think it’s a small town thing,” she said. “Everyone gets behind it.” 

Elle thanked Emma, Des and Carol Kennedy and staff at the Oriental Hotel for their assistance.” 

“The total amount raised in NSW/ACT is $341,000, which will cover the cost of 11 of the 24 Leukaemia Foundation homes for every night of the year,” she said. 

NSW/ACT Leukaemia Foundation general manager Christine McMillan said Elle went above and beyond to support those living with blood cancer. 

In its eighth year of the UGLY fundraiser, 1450 bartenders across Australia raised $1.7 million -equivalent to more than 21,000 nights of accommodation for regional families during their treatment in the city. 

“Every 41 minutes, an Australian is diagnosed with blood cancer and the impact can be greater for those living in regional areas”, Ms McMillan said.  

“In acute cases, treatment needs to start within hours so for those in regional areas, it means leaving everything behind to immediately relocate to the city, adding to the emotional turmoil of a diagnosis.

“The Leukaemia Foundation gives these families a place to call home during the months and sometimes years of treatment ahead.

“This service is provided at no cost and relieves the pressure, particularly where the person or their carer is the major breadwinner,” she said.