Meat-free Bunnings sausage sizzle – what next?
Customers at Mentone Bunnings in Victoria hoping to grab their mum a sausage sizzle rather than making her breakfast for Mother’s Day didn't quite get the snag the expected.
The fund-raising BBQ was run by Cheltenham Cat Rescue and as an animal rescue charity, decided that they simply couldn’t sell animals to eat and as such, offered vegan alternatives.
While the community group raised over $1300, some would be snag eaters were left less than satisfied. Group founder Natasha Reus said, “One woman in particular was very upset and very rude. I think she complained to Bunnings.” While others were so surprised they felt a call to Melbourne radio station 3AW was warranted. “We were a little shocked, considering it’s probably one of the most male dominated destinations in the country,” the caller said. “We were like ... thank you, but no thank you.”
Bunnings guidelines state that BBQs should sell meat sausages, onions and bread, however, there were occasional exceptions. Bunnings State Operations Manager, Tony Manzone said, “In recent years, and on a case-by-case basis, we also allow community groups to have a vegan fundraising sausage sizzle if that is their preference, which is supported by appropriate customer signage.”
It makes perfect sense that a charity that raises money to support one animal doesn't want to kill another animal for that purpose. Other than charities to help humans, many non-human animal charities now only have delicious and healthy vegan food at events. Good on this group for their principles because vegan sausages are more expensive therefore less revenue for the effort. You could hardly tell the difference anyway when sausages are smothered in sauce and onions. Why wouldn't you want to be kind if you can?