Scores of legend pubs of the Hotel Care Foundation have banded together to raise over a quarter million dollars in the ‘Protect a Legend’ appeal for prostate cancer research and care.
HCF (Vic) is made up of more than 200 local pubs across Victoria.
The group recently partnered with the Australian Prostate Centre (APC) to raise critical funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and patient care through a fundraising initiative for men’s health – Protect a Legend.
Prostate cancer is the most common form affecting men in Australia, with one in five men diagnosed in their lifetime, yet stigma and hesitation around check-ups often delay critical early intervention.
The initiative is about helping the dads, husbands, sons, brothers and all community legends, who “do their bit for their families and their communities, every single day”.
The APC is a world-class hub for the disease in Melbourne, providing clinical care, allied health and research collaborations in one location by combining diagnosis, treatment and support, which helps men move more quickly from diagnosis to the appropriate care.
A month-long fundraising effort, peaking with the Four’N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer on 27 August, saw venues host live match screenings, meat tray raffles, donation drives, raffles, charity taps and more, encouraging patrons and families to enjoy the hospitality while backing a life-saving cause.
The Grand Hotel Warrandyte threw its weight behind the appeal, going blue all month long to raise vital funds for the APC. It showcased a Legends Wall, where guests could purchase a virtual seat for the Legends Game, Parma of the Month, donating $2 from each to the appeal, and Friday Meat Trays, with proceeds donated to the fundraising.
And in September the hotel held a community celebration featuring live entertainment, raffles, and a silent auction. Licensee Peter Appleby said they were excited to bang the drum all month.
“The Grand has always been a place for people to connect, but events like this remind everyone what a local pub is truly capable of doing.”
Atop its history of awards, such as Victoria’s Peoples Choice (2018), Best Outdoor Area (AHA Vic 2022), Outstanding Community Service & Achievement (AHA National 2024) and Overall Hotel of Year (AHA Vic 2026), the Grand took top honours in the fundraising leaderboard.
Hotel Care Foundation is the charitable arm of the pub and hotel industry, committed to supporting Victorian communities, local charities, and emergency service organisations through industry fundraising initiatives such as Protect a Legend, and targeted financial grants.
In 2026 the organisation proved again the local pub remains the “beating heart of the community” across Victoria by raising $265,000.
“The Protect a Legend Appeal is about harnessing that community spirit to tackle a disease that affects so many of our regulars, our friends, and our families,” Hotel Care Foundation Chairman, Mark Barson.
“We couldn’t be prouder to see over 200 venues throw their weight behind this cause.”
While funds raised will drive world-class treatment and research, Barson says normalising the check-up is just as vital.
“By bringing the conversation straight to the front bar, local venues have offered more than just financial relief – they have created a comfortable, familiar space to get blokes talking about their health.
“Pubs have always been about looking after your mates. When one of our locals is doing it tough, the community steps up without hesitation.”
