They are joining together for the Leukaemia Foundation’s most quirky fund-raising event — U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year.

U.G.L.Y., which stands for Understanding, Generous, Likeable You, puts a creative spin on raising serious funds to help regional families impacted by blood cancer. 

Rafferty’s Tavern is hosting an array of events throughout the entire month of November to show its support. The pub aims to raise over $3000 to help support the Leukaemia Foundation’s accommodation services. 

Bartender Katharine Newton-Tabrett hopes the local community will help them reach this goal and take part in the events. 

“I think the entire fund-raising event is a great way to have fun in the workplace while raising money for an important cause,” Ms Newton-Tabrett said. 

Last Saturday saw Rafferty’s buzzing with a karaoke night to kick-start the money-raising. 

Rafferty’s general manager Mick O’Rourke said the tavern had lots of support and donations coming from the community already. “It’s a good cause and we really hope to get more people on board,” Mr O’Rourke said. 

Locals can help the team by participating in upcoming events, he said.

Kids Karaoke on Sunday, November 17 allows the kids to get involved with a gold coin donation near the bistro area from 2pm.

If you’re not into singing, there are sausage sizzles organised for November 15 and 22 in the bar’s drive-through bottle shop from 4pm to 6pm.

Raffles will be open to all customers and drawn in the public bar on November 16 and 23. Kirkstall Hotel is another pub supporting the cause. Publican Tony Houlihan is participating in the fund-raiser for his third time, last year raising about $500. 

The pub has donation tins on the bar and will host a pool night on November 20.

“It has been an unbelievable response from people that are willingly donating money,” Mr Houlihan said.

“Cancer is something that touches many in the community and we really try to get involved when we can.” 

The Leukaemia Foundation aims to raise $1.2m to provide 15,000 nights of free accommodation for people with blood cancer. You can support the cause by heading to www.uglybartender.org.au