Organised by business owners Rosie Scott and Dominic Garden, the day’s funds were pledged to Echuca Regional Health’s Cancer and Wellness Centre.
Ms Scott said the idea was sparked by a memory of her mother taking her to a food bank during Christmas, which made her think differently about the holidays.
“It really stuck with me that Christmas is for giving, not all for receiving,” she said.
“So from the very beginning, the inception of this whole cafe, we always wanted to do fundraising on Christmas Day.”
The business already gives regularly to children’s cancer research via sales from its strawberry milkshakes, made in memory of Ms Scott and Mr Garden’s late daughter, Effie, who sadly died of a brain tumour in 2024.
Leading up to the day, the couple put the call out for volunteers from the community and received an eager response, with 10 people turning up to help out.
Ms Scott said they weren’t sure how many customers to expect, until a queue began forming up the cafe’s walkway 15 minutes before they opened.
“It really blew our expectations out of the water. I thought, if we can raise $1500, I’ll be happy,” she said.
The total amount raised came to $5128, with $3163 from sales and the remainder via cash donations on the day, including a $500 donation from Impact Body and Mind Moama.
“It was amazing, really incredible. We’re just so thankful to the community, and I think it shows you what they can do and achieve. It’s pretty special,” Ms Scott said.
Suppliers also showed their support by donating eggs, bacon, milk and baked goods for the fundraiser’s limited menu.
ERH’s Cancer and Wellness Centre director of nursing Lyn Jeffreson and public relations officer Sarah Crossman formally accepted the cafe’s donation this week.
“Rosie and Dom’s generous support of the Cancer and Wellness Centre from their Christmas Day Ffndraiser is gratefully received,” Ms Jeffreson said.
“We are overwhelmed by the community response to their initiative, and will use these funds to provide enhanced care for people receiving treatment at the ERH Cancer and Wellness Centre.”
The cafe is looking to make the Christmas fundraisers a regular annual event.
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