It’s not the type of behaviour becoming of clientele in a drinking establishment, but for the next four weeks Chantelle Dalziel won’t mind being called ‘ugly’.

The Samford Valley Hotel bartender is taking part in the U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year Competition.

The initiative, which will run in Queensland pubs and clubs until 3 September, raises money for the Leukaemia Foundation to continue its support services for blood cancer patients and their families.

Chantelle said she would be proud to be called U.G.L.Y. – that’s ‘Understanding, Generous, Likeable, You’ – in the name of a good cause.

“The reason I got on board is because I do feel for the people that have to fork out money for medical bills, especially people with blood cancer, because I know it is very difficult to suffer with it,” she said.

Chantelle hopes to raise $2000 for the Leukaemia Foundation from fundraising initiatives such as sausage sizzles, kids fun days, jellybean counting contests and an ‘ugly bartender’ competition.

“Six of us have put a photo up on the board at work. It’s $2 a vote and the patrons can vote for who they think is the ugliest bartender.

“The photos we’ve put up are not the most attractive photos of us. It’s based on the ugliest photo, it’s nothing personal,” Chantelle laughed.

Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland CEO Bill Petch said money raised would help patients and their families “struggling with the ugly reality of a blood cancer diagnosis”.

He said in the 2010-11 financial year alone, the Leukaemia Foundation provided more than 41,000 nights of free accommodation for patients and families requiring treatment in Brisbane or Townsville.

U.G.L.Y. Bartender entrants will go in the running to win great prizes including a holiday and an ice machine for their venue, courtesy of Topdeck Travel and Hoshizaki.

To find out more or to register phone 1800 002 244 or visit http://www.uglybartender.org.au/