The Understanding Generous Likeable You campaign for the Leukaemia Foundation was devised in 2009 as a hospitality fundraising competition.

It is dedicated to helping regional families and has raised more than $6 million.

Boomerang bartender Lisa Byatt said she didn’t hesitate to jump on board when her management was contacted.

“I have family members that are battling cancer and it’s something that affects everybody,” she said.

Mrs Byatt said community support, in bar tin donations alone, was overwhelming since this year’s drive started on Thursday.

“We’ve had our coin collector canisters on the bar and people have been beyond generous,” she said.

“They ask that you raise a minimum of $1000 which we’ve hit just in the bar collections, but my colleague Renae and I want to hit $10,000."

Mrs Byatt’s very distinctive shirt has already had many people ask about the significance of the UGLY acronym.

“The minute people ask what it is about you give them the information,” she said.

“There are some people that just expect you’ll pop their change in the tin.”

Every $80 raised for the campaign allows a regional family a place to stay for one night.  The equivalent of 16,000 nights of accommodation was raised in the past calendar year.

Mrs Byatt said all staff supported the campaign.

“We have the opportunity to organise some really good events,” she said.

“Renae and I have a bit of fun but you’re always mindful of what your main goal is, raising the money for a really good cause."

Mrs Byatt said light humour was a great way to engage patrons.

“We tend to make light of the UGLY word, especially with older patrons,” she said.

The campaign runs until November 16.

Other Border venues involved include Edwards Tavern in Wodonga, the Star Hotel in Albury, Culcairn Hotel and The Vine Hotel in Wangaratta.