Grill’d, located on Pall Mall, will put $5 from every burger purchased between Friday and Sunday into a fundraising pool, with cash split evenly between Bendigo’s State Emergency Services unit, Bendigo Health and the Otis Foundation.

It is the sixth time the burger shop has run its Community Matters weekend, but store manager Richard Nash said his staff will be working even harder to lend a hand in 2016.  

If the restaurant raises $15,000 for the charities, Grill’d founder Simon Crowe will match the donation, doubling each organisation’s windfall.

To reach the tally, Grill’d will need to sell 3000 burgers in just three days.

Asked why he chose the three organisations to benefit from the fundraiser, Mr Nash noted his family’s long association with The Otis Foundation since their friend, Jo, passed away from cancer in 2013.

Jo told Mr Nash during her treatment about her desire to go swimming, an opportunity The Otis Foundation’s approach to healing could facilitate.

He also hoped a cash injection for Bendigo Health would be assist its doctors and nurses.

“If you end up going to hospital you want to make sure you have the best staff and the best all-round care,” he said.

SES volunteers deserved a cut of the funds because of their quick and selfless response to road traumas and storm damage, Mr Nash said.  

The burger chain is renowned for its community contributions, holding a weekly competition in which local groups vie for diner votes.  

Mr Nash said the fundraiser was also an opportunity to teach his staff, many of whom were still young, about the importance of community service.

“Grill’d is a business that thrives on supporting the community,” he said. 

“It’s good for our guys to learn about giving back and thinking about big picture stuff.

“By Sunday night, we will all be exhausted, but also proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Bendigo SES spokeswoman Natalie Stanway said her organisation benefited from last year’s fundraiser to the tune of $6000, and considered itself fortunate to be chosen again. 

“This has the potential of providing each organisation with a significant contribution to their annual funding,” she said. 

In April, the Bendigo Advertiser reported government funding for the city’s SES unit fell $19,000 short of covering all operational expenses. 

The emergency service could receive more than $10,000 from the fundraiser, or 20 per cent of its annual costs.