THE annual Brisbane Produce Market Mango Auction has risen above lockdowns and travel restrictions with a virtual event raising more than $27,000 for children with cancer in September.
Usually held in the Central Trading Area of Brisbane Markets at Rocklea, the 2021 event embraced the online realm with five items and experiences put up for grabs last month, plus the coveted Mango Monarch crown.
That title went to Domenico Casagrande from Megafresh in Chandler and Carina who bid $10,100 for the year's symbolic first tray of mangoes.
Mr Casagrande said mangoes were a summer favourite for Queenslanders and the annual mango auction was the perfect way to give back to the community.
"I love mangoes - they're my favourite fruit. We used to eat them off the tree at home when I was growing up," Mr Casagrande said.
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Mr Casagrande said mangoes marked the beginning of summer, which was an exciting time of year for local shops, who do a lot to support their communities.
"I'm a family man and we have a family business, so it's important for us to support charities like Redkite as they support other local families," he said.
Mr Casagrande encouraged consumers to go to their local store to buy their produce this summer so they can continue to give back.
After the decision was made to cancel the live event and hold it virtually, the Brisbane Produce Market community rallied online, raising a total of $27,444 for Redkite, who assist families of children with cancer.
Brisbane Markets Limited managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Young said that with the 2020 event cancelled due to the health pandemic and the 2021 event moved online, it was more important than ever to reach the $1 million milestone.
"Mango season is a very special time in Queensland, signalling that summer and Christmas is on it's way, and our annual Mango Auction is the perfect way to celebrate," Mr Young said.
"Raising over $1 million for Queensland charities since 2002 is an achievement the Markets community should be proud of and we are delighted to be able to support Redkite this year."
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