Franchise co-owner Richard Nash said usual weekend trade at the restaurant on Pall Mall nearly tripled during the Community Matters Fundraiser.

He said staff prepared and served more than 3000 burgers and salads between Friday – Sunday.

Related: More than $40,000 raised so far in Grill’d Bendigo Community Matters 2018 fundraiser

The purchases were treated as donations to Bendigo Health, The OTIS Foundation and facilities for female athletes at Bendigo’s QEO.

Mr Nash said up to 25 people were working on any given shift throughout the three days, with reinforcements coming from Ballarat and Melbourne to help with Friday’s lunch service.

The campaign raised a total of $58,887.

“It’s a little staggering,” Mr Nash said.

He said the biggest fundraiser the restaurant had hosted prior to the weekend’s effort resulted in $38,000 for community causes.

“It’s absolutely smashed that,” Mr Nash said.

Related: Grill’d Bendigo to treat burger buys as donations for three days

He said the campaign’s success was made possible by the restaurant’s staff, particularly the Grill’d Bendigo managers, and thanked them for their tireless efforts.

Mr Nash also thanked the community for its support.

The OTIS Foundation community fundraising and events coordinator Mandy Mitchell said the funds raised would cover the expenses associated with providing close to 400 nights of retreat accommodation at no cost to people with breast cancer and their loved ones.

“Thanks to the team at Grill’d we’ll be able to provide more nights to more people in more locations,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We are so pleased to be involved with this incredible fundraiser.”

Bendigo Health Foundation’s Rachel Mason said specialist equipment for birthing and for gauging jaundice in babies were at the top of their wish list.

She said the foundation drew its priorities for the almost $20,000 donation from the staff in the women’s and children’s ward.

“Everyone’s really excited,” Ms Mason said.

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