Supercars drivers’ charitable cause

Supercars stars Craig Lowndes, Scott Pye and Anton De Pasquale have put their talents to a different use in the name of charity.

The trio joined Brisbane Firebirds netballer Gretel Tippett and Brisbane Bullets basketballer Harry Froling to promote the famous Ekka Strawberry Sundaes.

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Pye and De Pasquale are ordinarily based in Melbourne but have joined the fleet of southern Supercars teams and drivers in relocating north amid Victoria’s COVID-19 crisis.

With the cancellation of Ekka, The Common Good have been selling DIY take-home Ekka Strawberry Sundae packs online, with retail pop-up sites planned across Brisbane during Ekka week.

For Lowndes, a long-time resident of Brisbane, being able to welcome his southern counterparts with a delicious Ekka Strawberry Sundae was a great experience.

“I’ve got fond memories of enjoying a Strawberry Sundae at the Ekka and was excited when I found out that The Common Good was making them available despite Ekka being cancelled,” Lowndes said.

“Being able to share this iconic treat, that funds critical medical research, with our Victorian friends as they move north to avoid the dangers of the coronavirus, is fantastic.

“We gave them a little bit of Queensland tradition to say welcome to the Sunshine State.”

Victorian-born and raised De Pasquale, a rising star for Penrite Racing, enjoyed his first experience of the sundaes.

“It was great to get a welcome like that, and also learn what the Strawberry Sundaes are made for and what the funds raised are used for,” he said.

“It’s great to know that you can enjoy one of these in the knowledge that you’re making a direct contribution to what could be life-saving medical research.”

Only two weeks out from Ekka week, The Common good CEO Michael Hornby said that the DIY packs had been a roaring success and attention was now shifting to the retail pop-up sites.

“We’ve sold more than 1000 of the DIY Ekka Strawberry Sundae packs, which means we will be able to fund some 3,000 hours of medical research as a direct result of this campaign,” said Hornby.

“The packs are available until July 29, with retail pop-up sites appearing across Brisbane from August 7-16. Thanks to everyone for their support, and especially to all the sportspeople here today. It’s greatly appreciated.”